ABQ Times

University of New Mexico alumna Raven Delfina Otero-Symphony is seeking to recruit students, mentors, and sponsors for a space development project. Otero-Symphony has initiated the Space Collegiate Opportunities & Pathways for Excellence, New Mexico (SCOPE-NM) to make space development accessible to all New Mexicans.

SCOPE-NM aims to raise awareness of local space activities, cultivate a stronger space workforce in New Mexico, improve accessibility to space education and career opportunities, and showcase various space resources for educational and professional purposes.

Otero-Symphony currently works as a data science consultant at Quilty Space, a financial and research boutique for the satellite industry. She also serves on the advisory board of the UNM Space Sustainability Research Grand Challenge (SSR-GC), which seeks to expand New Mexico's scientific and economic horizons through collaboration.

"New Mexico is one-of-a-kind, and we all deserve to know what’s going on in our back yard," said Otero-Symphony. "SCOPE-NM is pushing the boundaries for what it means to be inclusive."

Recently chosen as the NASA Space Apps Challenge local lead for Albuquerque, Otero-Symphony will oversee participation in this global hackathon on October 5-6. The event marks Albuquerque's first involvement in the challenge.

“SCOPE-NM is all about accessibility,” she explained. “Anyone can visit the website to learn about space development and find resources.”

Otero-Symphony emphasized that modern life relies heavily on space technology. "Satellites enable modern essentials like electricity and navigation," she noted. "It is critical that we bring as many people as possible to the table when discussing what space does."

She is searching for high school seniors, undergraduate students, or recent graduates interested in space but unsure how to get involved. These Student Delegates will participate virtually from anywhere in New Mexico.

“I am also looking for professional mentors,” she added. “Mentors must have professional experience with the space sector.”

Additionally, sponsors are needed to help expand operations and reach underrepresented areas.

Student Delegates will receive training on career-readiness skills and space domain knowledge through monthly workshops. They will become community leaders in space-related fields.

“I am effectively teaching them everything I know about the space sector,” said Otero-Symphony.

A special acknowledgment was given to past Student Delegates Collin Nesbit and Giovanni Cordova for their contributions.

Mentors dedicate one hour per month answering questions about working in the space sector, while sponsors support SCOPE-NM’s expansion efforts.

The program welcomes students with little or no experience in the field. “This is not a highly technical program,” said Otero-Symphony. “I am looking for people who care about New Mexico.”

Her vision includes expanding SCOPE-NM into a statewide initiative similar to other fellowship programs like Brooke Owens Fellowship or U-RISE.

At minimum, she hopes visitors leave SCOPE-NM learning something new: “New Mexico is actively building educational programs... We all deserve to know what’s going on in our back yard.”

Otero-Symphony expressed her childhood dream of traveling to space but now jokes about her fear of heights: “Jokes aside, I would love an opportunity to fly out of Spaceport America someday.”

For more information or applications as a Student Delegate, Mentor, or Sponsor/Partnerships visit SCOPE-NM's website by September 1st deadline.