On a warm July evening, the Harwood Museum courtyard transformed into a stargazer’s dream. Despite the clouds, our augmented reality creations allowed us to explore the stars. With digital constellations dancing across phone screens, the night sky became a canvas for curiosity, storytelling, and youth-led innovation.
On July 12th, STEMarts Lab proudly presented its latest AstroTour, a powerful fusion of science, storytelling, and technology. The spotlight of the evening? Our extraordinary STEMarts Ambassadors, who took the lead as creative guides, educators, and technologists.
As the sky darkened and anticipation built, participants gathered to explore the mysteries of the cosmos through interactive Augmented Reality (AR) Astro Stations—each one developed and led by the Digital Media XR STEAM Team. These youth Ambassadors worked behind the scenes for weeks to prepare immersive AR experiences, then stood confidently at each station to walk guests through the constellations, blending cultural narratives with space science.
Ambassadors who guided participants at the event included:
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Shintaro McFarland
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Flora Mack
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Emma Allen
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Tulasi LoPriore
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Sirena Quezada
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Victor Quezada
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Shaylee Mirabal
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Sophia Bates
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Zion Flores
By simply pointing a smartphone at the sky, visitors unlocked vibrant animated overlays of stars and constellations. Guided by the Ambassadors, each AR station became a portal to new perspectives on space, identity, and wonder.
Featured AR Constellations:
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✨ Ursa Major by Feliciana Mitchell-Gonzales. Space script by Tulasi LoPriore and Shintaro McFarland
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✨ Cygnus X1 by Zion Flores and Nicklaus Brown. Space Script by Wyatt Wade
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✨ Andromeda by Feliciana Mitchell-Gonzales. Space Script by HattieRose Briddell
Each Ambassador not only showcased technical skill but also demonstrated deep cultural awareness, helping participants make connections between modern astrophysics and ancestral sky knowledge. Their work exemplified the STEMarts mission: empowering youth to become creative changemakers through the fusion of science, art, and technology.
NASA Solar System Ambassador Arwen Hubbard noted, “Working with students to explore constellations and build meaningful connections to space science was inspiring. Their curiosity and imagination are embedded in every AR station.”
The event also featured cosmic storytelling by Lakota astrophysicist Dr. Julia Blue Bird, Taos elder Henrietta Gomez, and guest Dr. Nicole Lloyd-Ronning, each of whom enriched the experience with scientific insight and cultural depth. These mentors serve as the very kind of role models our students aspire to become.
We extend our deepest gratitude to these honored guests, and to our event partners—LOR Foundation, Space Valley, and The Encantado Foundation—whose support made this unique experience possible.
Want to bring the stars to your community?
Contact STEMarts Lab to host an AstroTour at your venue and meet the next generation of STEAM leaders.
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