UNM mathematicians join National Advocacy effort at MathSciOnTheHill

Faculty, researchers and students from The University of New Mexico's Department of Mathematics and Statistics represented New Mexico at MathSciOnTheHill, a national advocacy event focused on federal support for the mathematical sciences, held Jan. 8 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

UNM Assistant Professor Anna Nelson joined representatives from New Mexico laboratories, math camps and former UNM undergraduate and dual-credit students as part of a nationwide delegation of 293 mathematical scientists from 47 states and 176 congressional districts. Participants met with lawmakers and staff to advocate for sustained federal investment in mathematics research, education and workforce development.

In a single day, the mathematicians held 274 meetings with congressional offices. While most meetings were with legislative staff, some advocates had the opportunity to speak directly with members of Congress.

The UNM delegation met with staff from the offices of U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, thanking them for their continued support of National Science Foundation programs and emphasizing the impact of federal funding on research and education at the K-12, undergraduate and graduate levels.

MathSciOnTheHill participants gathered the evening before the visits for an orientation hosted by the American Mathematical Society, along with partner organizations representing 12 national mathematics and science societies. Most attendees were already in Washington for the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings.

"Working together with partner societies really helps amplify our message to Congress about the importance of robust federal funding for mathematics," said Karen Saxe, senior vice president for government relations at the American Mathematical Society.

To make the group visible on Capitol Hill, participants wore matching striped scarves, a lighthearted symbol that sparked conversations with congressional staff throughout the day.

Advocates described the experience as both educational and energizing, particularly for those visiting Capitol Hill for the first time.

"I was truly inspired by the advocates on the Hill," said Tyler Kloefkorn, associate vice president in the AMS Office of Government Relations. "Students, educators, researchers and industry professionals all came prepared to share how federal funding supports their work and their communities."

Following their meetings, Rep. Stansbury joined the New Mexico contingent for an extended discussion and invited them to the U.S. House gallery, where they observed the bipartisan passage of an appropriations bill that includes funding for the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 2026.

"We were very excited to go to the Hill as individuals to advocate for the mathematical sciences broadly to both our senators and to Rep. Stansbury. It was incredibly exciting to be in the House chambers when that was passed!" said Nelson.

"Anna was our leader and spoke very eloquently (especially in ensuring UNM was thanked)," concluded Chou.

Participants said the experience reinforced the value of direct engagement between researchers and policymakers and highlighted how mathematics underpins innovation across science, technology and education.

The New Mexico delegation returned to New Mexico energized to continue advocating for the role of the mathematical sciences in research, education and economic development.

For more information, visit the American Mathematical Society's MathSciOnTheHill webpage.