Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham hosted a panel discussion and film screening on the importance of STEM education and its contributions to the Manhattan Project. The event, attended by students, officials, and representatives from Los Alamos National Laboratory, emphasized the critical role of New Mexico in science, technology, and innovation. Los Alamos Reporter reported
On Thursday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham organized a panel discussion and screening of the film “Oppenheimer” at the SALA Event Center in Los Alamos. The event was attended by high school and college students, local officials, and representatives from Los Alamos National Laboratory. The main focus of the hour-long discussion was on the significance of STEM education and its contributions to the Manhattan Project, as well as the ongoing impact of the Project and New Mexico’s role in science, technology, and innovation.
The panel discussion was moderated by Sara Scott, a former Los Alamos County Councilor and retiree from LANL. Other members of the panel included Governor Lujan Grisham, Sarah (Ellie) Gilbertson, Deputy Manager of the Department of Energy Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office, Tina Cordova, Co-Founder of the Tularosa Downwinders Consortium, and Asher Stephens, a student from UNM-LA.
During the event, Governor Lujan Grisham shared her personal connection to Los Alamos, as she was born there while her father worked at the hospital. She highlighted the purpose of the event, which was three-fold. Firstly, she hoped that the screening of “Oppenheimer” would inspire the students to seize the opportunities presented to them in their pursuit of solving problems and advancing research.
Secondly, she emphasized the importance of engaging young people in STEM as it leads to economic development and the ability to tackle significant issues such as national security and climate change. The Governor acknowledged New Mexico’s leadership in renewable energy and oil and gas production and stressed the need to strike a better balance between scientific advancements and ethical considerations.
Lastly, Governor Lujan Grisham urged New Mexicans to be leaders in finding the right balance between technological advancements and ethical responsibilities on a global scale. She emphasized the need to address the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the importance of protecting one another from potential negative consequences.
Throughout the event, Governor Lujan Grisham engaged with attendees and discussed plans for the renovation of the SALA Event Center with Allan Saenz, the co-owner. The Governor also expressed her desire for New Mexico to be recognized as a leader in finding ethical and community-centered solutions to the challenges posed by scientific research and technological advancements.
Overall, the panel discussion and film screening served as a platform for Governor Lujan Grisham and other panelists to emphasize the importance of STEM education, New Mexico’s contributions to science and innovation, and the need for ethical considerations in scientific research and technological advancements..