Philip Friedman, a member of the Academy’s computer science department, has been selected as one of 15 educators nationwide to join the prestigious Limitless Space Institute. This yearlong program brings together educators from across the country to develop and test curriculum to help encourage the next generation of students to explore interstellar space travel. Participants will visit the institute in Houston for training.
“I had heard about the Limitless Space Institute from Paolo Oemig, the director of the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium,” said Philip. “He is involved in all things outer space for the state of New Mexico and is also very involved in STEAM education across the state.”
The selection process was highly competitive, requiring applicants to submit a short video explaining why they would be a strong candidate, along with a formal application. “There was only one spot available for a New Mexico educator, and I was up against other STEAM teachers from across the state.”
Philip looks forward to deepening his knowledge of interstellar travel and incorporating what he learns into his teaching. “I will be using the resources and lessons provided by the Limitless Space Institute for all the students in my STEAM classes this year and next. This is a great chance for Academy students to participate in the future and become inspired for their own studies beyond here at the Academy.”
The program is funded by a number of organizations, including the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium, a statewide collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners out of New Mexico State University, which ensures that a New Mexico teacher can take part.
