Hackathon inspires future innovators

<strong>AI ASSIST </strong>— From left, Sandia volunteers Nathan Brown, Catherine Appleby and Ben Feinberg work with Katherine Dahringer, a junior at Explore Academy, during Thunderbird Hacks on Jan. 31. (Photo by David Lienemann) — **AI ASSIST** — From left, Sandia volunteers Nathan Brown, Catherine Appleby and Ben Feinberg work with Katherine Dahringer, a junior at Explore Academy, during Thunderbird Hacks on Jan. 31. (Photo by David Lienemann)

<strong>OUTSMART THE AGENT </strong>— Spencer Jensen, a senior at Valley High School, works on a laptop during Thunderbird Hacks at Explora. (Photo by David Lienemann) — **OUTSMART THE AGENT** — Spencer Jensen, a senior at Valley High School, works on a laptop during Thunderbird Hacks at Explora. (Photo by David Lienemann)

More than 50 high school students gathered at Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum for Sandia’s annual hackathon Thunderbird Hacks on Jan. 31. The event, organized by Community Involvement, introduced Albuquerque students to artificial intelligence models and STEM careers during a full day of learning about computer science, coding and AI.

Jennifer Gaudioso, director of Sandia’s computing research center, kicked off the day with a presentation. Kevin Dixon, director of Sandia’s applied information sciences and chair of Sandia’s AI Board of Directors, gave a keynote presentation during lunch. Both shared insights into the history of AI at the Labs and its transformative impact on our world.

In addition to educational sessions, the event offered hands-on experience as students competed in three hacking challenges. Organized in small teams, participants tackled prompt-engineering challenges designed to outwit advanced AI agents through a series of timed tasks. Twenty Sandian volunteers supported the event, including ten technical mentors who helped the students refine creative solutions and sharpen their skills. Representatives from Sandia’s Student Intern Programs offered students a glimpse into internship opportunities.

Teams were scored on their ability to outsmart the AI models, with top performers winning prizes and recognition. The event highlighted real-world applications of AI, fostered a spirit of collaborative problem solving and demonstrated Sandia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators.

<strong>SANDIA FUTURES </strong>— Kevin Dixon, director of applied information sciences and chair of Sandia’s AI Board of Directors, presents on AI work happening at Sandia during lunch at the Thunderbird Hacks event. (Photo by David Lienemann)<br> — **SANDIA FUTURES** — Kevin Dixon, director of applied information sciences and chair of Sandia’s AI Board of Directors, presents on AI work happening at Sandia during lunch at the Thunderbird Hacks event. (Photo by David Lienemann)

<strong>REAL ONES </strong>— Scott Jolley, a sophomore at Valley High School, left, watches Spencer Jensen, a senior at Valley High School, work during the event. (Photo by David Lienemann) — **REAL ONES** — Scott Jolley, a sophomore at Valley High School, left, watches Spencer Jensen, a senior at Valley High School, work during the event. (Photo by David Lienemann)

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