UNM computer science professor’s work among global finalists for Airbus award

The NASA Swarmathon, directed by Professor Melanie Moses and her team at the University of New Mexico’s School of Engineering, in the Department of Computer Science is one of three global finalists in the Airbus Diversity Award 2018.

For the last six years, Airbus, a leader in global aerospace engineering, has been honoring successful grassroots programs and projects that make outreach to underserved populations a main goal of their mission statements. In a recent press release, Airbus states that they award projects that “inspire students from all backgrounds to study and succeed in engineering” in order to” increase diversity among engineering professionals globally, so the engineering industry reflects the full spectrum of communities around the world.”

Moses said her team is “… thrilled to be named as finalists for the 2018 Airbus GEDC Diversity Award. It is wonderful to have the hard work and accomplishments of the 1,500 Swarmathon students recognized by an International aerospace leader. To successfully explore beyond our world will require the creativity and engineering talents of all of us here on earth. Airbus funding will help the diverse community of Swarmathon students to soar to new heights.”

UNM NASA Swarmathon was the sole finalist from the United States after the third round of project reviews. The two other finalists are from Chile and Hong Kong. First place will be announced at the International Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) conference hosted in Albuquerque by the UNM School of Engineering November 12-16, 2018.

Moses adds that it is “particularly meaningful for UNM, the premier majority-minority flagship research university in the US, to be honored with the Airbus diversity award at the GEDC conference.”

Read the formal press release by Airbus. Read more about the GEDC-Airbus Diversity Award. Learn more about the Swarmathon below.