Attention all New Mexico girls: Apply for a free summer physics camp in Santa Fe!

Women scientists and engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory teach the free Summer Physics Camp for Young Women

March 14, 2023

2023-03-14

New Mexico middle- and high-school students who identify as female or non-binary are encouraged to apply for the free, two-week Summer Physics Camp for Young Women, taught primarily by the women scientists and engineers of Los Alamos National Laboratory, June 5-16, 2023.

The application deadline is April 1, 2023.

New this year: After three years of virtual camp during the pandemic, the 2023 camp is in person, held at the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe.

Previous camps have covered topics such as exploration of the galaxy led by astrophysicist Joanna Piotrowska; the Mars Perseverance Rover’s ChemCam, led by R&D Laser Engineer Adriana Reyes-Newell; and the biophysics of DNA pattern formation, led by Karissa Sanbonmatsu, whose team achieved the first-ever billion-atom gene simulation via the Lab’s Trinity supercomputer. The 2023 camp will focus on Energy and Energy Security  — reliable, affordable access to all fuels and energy sources.

Presenters include approximately 100 scientists, engineers and other professionals from the Laboratory, 75% of whom are women. Approximately 35 campers will be selected for the 2023 camp.

Camp sessions also cover professional-development skills such as resumes, interviews, college opportunities in New Mexico, professional societies, internships and careers at the Laboratory. Not only is the camp free, but campers receive a paid stipend upon completion. In 2023, more than 20 campers from past years have secured internships at the Laboratory.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Middle- and high-school students who identify as female or non-binary living in New Mexico, including tribal communities.
  • Completion of Algebra 1 or higher-level math class.
  • Commitment to two full weeks of participation.

Students should give themselves time to secure a letter of recommendation and school transcripts for the application. Note: Acceptance is not based on GPA.

Apply here.

 For more information, email spcyw-nm@lanl.gov or contact Anna Llobet at (505) 665-1367.

Visit the camp’s external webpage or the New Mexico Consortium website for the application and more information.