La Cueva and Bosque Students Named 2025 Outstanding STEM Award

Winners Lucas Riley and Katie Rielage Honored at Nuclear Museum’s Einstein Gala

[Albuquerque, NM] The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is thrilled to announce Lucas Riley, a senior at LaCueva High School, and Katie Rielage, a junior at Bosque School, as the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding STEM Student Award. These exceptional students will be honored at the Museum’s prestigious Einstein Gala.

Building upon the success of recognizing promising STEM talent, the Museum continues its commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators. Lucas and Katie were selected based on their outstanding academic achievements, passion for STEM fields, and compelling essays detailing their connection to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

"Lucas and Katie represent the best of our future STEM leaders," said Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. "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."

The Outstanding STEM Student award was created to recognize students interested in careers in STEM fields and underscores the significance of STEM in solving some of society’s biggest challenges. Board Member Emeriti Hal Behl sponsored the students and their guests to attend the Einstein Gala. The students will be recognized in front of more than 450 guests. Each student will receive 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 National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. "Lucas and Katie 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 Outstanding STEM students will be honored on March 22 at the Einstein Gala, which will be held at Sandia Resort and Casino.

About the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, located at 601 Eubank SE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was established in 1969 and chartered by Congress in 1991 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. Through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the museum strives to present the diverse applications of nuclear science in the past, present, and future, along with the stories of the field’s pioneers. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a Smithsonian Affiliate accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm 361 days a year. The Museum’s website is nuclearmuseum.org, and the phone number is 505-245-2137.