Press Releases

Albuquerque, NM – The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) is proud to work with 900 students across central and northern New Mexico over the summer as they participated in "Be A Physicist." These young scientists had the opportunity to investigate the use of lasers in outer space, ski team apparel, and video game sound effects.   

GSK Science in the Summer™, in partnership with The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and administered through NMMNHS, in Albuquerque, is a completely free STEM enrichment program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities for children to embody science careers, think scientifically, practice authentic science techniques, and have fun, all while keeping students engaged through hands-on activities. This program is sponsored by the global healthcare company GSK plc.   

“The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is proud of the increased reach we had during our third year with the GSK program as we expanded into the Farmington and Silver City areas,” said Deb Novak, director of education at NMMNHS.   

If you are interested in participating as a rural or tribal summer program, please contact Deb Novak at  deb.novak@dca.nm.gov.   

GSK Science in the Summer™ was created in Philadelphia as part of GSK’s commitment to supporting STEM education. In 2023, the program celebrated its 37th anniversary, and each year it continues to grow and improve to remain fresh, engaging, and relevant for children across the country. More than 900 children across central and northern New Mexico will join thousands of other GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide this summer as they learned the importance of physics through fun, hands-on, age-appropriate experiments.   

“Scientists are finding solutions to problems today that we never thought we would face, so it’s even more important than ever to foster students’ interest in science early on so they can see themselves on that trajectory,” said Becki Lynch, director of U.S. Community Partnerships at GSK. “GSK Science in the Summer™ gives students the opportunity to embody the role of scientists — identify a problem, find solutions, and test the results, and that’s what science is all about, solving the unsolvable challenges.”  

“Science in the Summer™ is uniquely impactful in that it takes what students are learning in the classroom and brings it to life, creating a cohesive learning experience that ties everything together and resonates,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, chemical engineer and senior vice president of science and education at The Franklin Institute. “Science is at the forefront now more than ever and ensuring that underserved and traditionally underrepresented youth across the country have opportunities to see themselves as engineers, chemists, or doctors will help create a more diverse STEM workforce.”   

The GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum was developed by The Franklin Institute and is freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.   

About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, through the generous support of donors. Established in 1986, the mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is to preserve and interpret the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. The NMMNHS offers exhibitions, programs, and workshops in Geoscience, including Paleontology and Mineralogy, Bioscience, and Space Science. It is the Southwest’s largest repository for fossils and includes a Planetarium and a large format 3D DynaTheater.   

About The Franklin Institute Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.   

About GSK, GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information, please visit www.us.gsk.com.