The New Mexico Academy of Science has been in existence for over 100 years and is an advocate and resource for science and science education in New Mexico.

The Outstanding Science Teacher Award given by the New Mexico Academy of Science honors New Mexico science and math educators. The Academy recognizes educators who provide opportunities for students to succeed in science. The award has been given since 1968 and  nominations are open to all preK-12 teachers and all Informal Science educators throughout New Mexico. The award consists of a plaque and a monetary award, both presented at the annual NMAS Meeting/Symposium. The American Chemical Society joins with the Academy in this award and also presents a monetary award to the NMAS winning teachers.

This year, our two amazing awardees are Romalyn Ubaldo, from Santa Rosa and Inez Jacobs, from Albuquerque.

Romalyn Ubaldo

Our first awardee for 2024 is Romalyn Ubaldo. She is an educator at Santa Rosa High School, New Mexico. She teaches SAT Prep, Medical Terminologies/Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology II, Principles of Technology, Mathematics Lab, and a community class. In addition to her teaching duties, she serves as the MESA advisor.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Physics, and a Master of Arts in Education, majoring in Physical Science. She will complete her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Management on October 26, 2024.

Ms. Ubaldo is deeply committed to advancing STEM education and empowering students from underrepresented groups to engage in research competitions. She was selected as an Advocate for the Society of Science, where she promotes research opportunities for students. In 2024, she was chosen for the New Mexico Innovation Change Agent Cohort for her innovative teaching practices and supporting underserved students. She was selected and participated in the USPTO National Summer Teacher Institute (NSTI) on Innovation, STEM, and Intellectual Property, and the Teachers in Space program.

In 2020, she was named International Secondary Teacher of the Year at the International Education Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2024, she received prestigious titles, including A Woman of International Outstanding Achievement in the Field of STEM Education/Teaching and Most Remarkable Researcher and Innovator of the Year. She has authored two books—”Chemical Elements: A Fascinating Exploration” and “Exploring the Planets” and published the research article “Computer Simulation in Teaching Science 7.”

Throughout her career, she has integrated project-based and inquiry-based learning, inspiring students to design innovative solutions to real-world challenges. She is passionate about empowering students from underserved communities to discover their potential through hands-on STEM experiences, fostering a love for learning, and equipping them with the skills to make meaningful contributions to society.

Congratulations to our 2024 NMAS Outstanding New Mexico Science Teacher, Romalyn Ubaldo.

Inez Jacobs

Our second 2024 awardee is Inez Jacobs. She is an educator at Mark Armijo Charter STEM High School, in Albuquerque. She currently teaches Physics, Chemistry, and STEM; and she is a Senior Advisor and Youth Conservation Corp Mentor. Ms. Jacobs has previously been STEM Coordinator and GRADS Teacher for the department and an Instructional Coach to mentor new teachers in best practices. She serves as a teacher advisor for the National Education Foundation and was named a Project Invent Fellow for 2022.

Ms. Jacobs received her B.S. in Secondary Education and her M.S.in Biology, both from NMSU. Ms. Jacobs has had various lab-based research experiences since the beginning of her teaching career working during the summer at Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. She has also worked at Phase One Molecular Toxicology, and Los Alamos National Laboratory Bioscience Division. She spent three years working at UNM for an intensive summer research experience: Center for High-Performance Materials (2019) Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (2021, 2022).

Ms. Jacobs is a strong advocate for community collaboration and has partnered with La Academia De Esperanza Charter High School, Albuquerque Job Corp, Fuse Makerspace, Explora, and Yerba Mansa Project. She is a board member for TOTALNM, a nonprofit that supplies teachers with resources for Outdoor Learning. She is also a Teacher Advisor for the National Energy Foundation based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement through her pursuit of community partnerships, funding opportunities, and enrichment activities that all center on elevating the student experience. These have included a College Expo for the school’s Title One socially vulnerable youth and collaborations with the National Energy Foundation around teen leadership and financial management. She developed a 21st Century learning module of enriched curriculum and led Mark Armijo Academy to win the Governor’s STEM Challenge three years ago. Recently, Ms. Jacobs received grants to expand her Makerspace and Outdoor Learning Classroom: the American Chemical Society Classroom Grant (2020, 2023), the US Eagle Classroom Grant (2022, 2023), WE Grant, and an Outdoor Equity Grant (2022). She received her TESOL endorsement to teach English Language Learners as part of her continuous professional development plan and completed her Special Education training last spring through CES LEAP. She sees a need and attempts to solve it through purposeful teaching and procurement of resources.

Congratulations to our 2024 NMAS Outstanding New Mexico Science Teacher, Inez Jacobs.