Meet the 2026 Outstanding STEM Students
Houston Villegas
A future biochemist at New Mexico Tech, Houston, is dedicated to addressing environmental and medical disparities. Through the NM Governor’s STEM Challenge and AgriScience Fair, she has already conducted impactful research on waste repurposing and drought mitigation. As a Hispanic woman in STEM, Houston transforms scientific curiosity into tangible community solutions, pioneering a more sustainable and inclusive future for the field.
Isaac Garcia
Driven by a mission to perform work "bigger than himself," Isaac is a standout researcher and leader. During the elite CURE internship, he earned top honors for his innovative research on microneedle advancement. From commuting off-campus for advanced AP Chemistry to serving as President of the MESA club at Valley High School, Isaac’s journey is defined by tenacity. He plans to pursue chemical engineering to leverage STEM to serve others.
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History Names 2026 Outstanding STEM
Students
Houston Villegas and Isaac Garcia Honored at Nuclear Museum’s Einstein Gala
[Albuquerque, NM] The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is proud to announce the selection of Houston Villegas and Isaac Garcia as the 2026 Outstanding STEM Students. This prestigious recognition honors high school students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic tenacity, and compelling essays detailing their connection to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Building on its success in recognizing promising STEM talent, the Museum continues its commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators. Houston and Isaac were selected based on their outstanding academic achievements, passion for STEM fields, and compelling essays detailing their connection to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
"Houston and Isaac represent the best of our future STEM leaders," said Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO at the Museum. "Their dedication and innovative thinking exemplify the spirit of this award. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments at the Einstein Gala and support their continued journey in STEM."
Board Member Emeritus and Manhattan Project veteran Hal Behl sponsored the students and their guests to attend the Einstein Gala. The students were recognized in front of more than 450 guests. Each student received an Outstanding STEM Student award and a $250 deposit into their 529 Education Savings Account.
"We are incredibly impressed by the caliber of students we see each year," said Gabriel Nemiroff, Director of Education at the Museum. "Houston and Isaac have shown exceptional promise, and their passion for STEM is truly inspiring. Their dedication and ingenuity are precisely the qualities we aim to cultivate in our future scientists and engineers. By recognizing and supporting these students, we are investing in a brighter, more innovative future for our community and beyond."
The Einstein Gala, a premier event for the Museum, was hosted at Sandia Resort and Casino on March 21, bringing together community leaders, educators, and STEM enthusiasts to celebrate the value of STEM education.