Valley students round up at 2025 STEM Nation Conference

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Thousands of students across the Rio Grande Valley gathered at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg on Tuesday for the 2025 STEM Nation Conference.

The conference welcomed notable guest speakers, including local NASA astronaut retiree, Michael E. Fossum, to speak about the importance of STEM.

Fossum spoke with NBC 23 forecaster Craig Verley about how STEM has positively impacted his life.

"I was an 11-year-old living in McAllen when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. I remember just lying, going into my backyard, looking up at the moon, and shaking with excitement," Fossum said.

Shortly after the historic moon landing, Fossum knew he wanted to venture into the world of science.

"People laughed at me, but there were people, teachers, especially, who believed in me and encouraged me along the way, even if they didn't think that was ever going to happen," Fossum continued.

Now, Fossum is the voice of encouragement for the next generation of aspiring STEM students.

"My message to the young people here is you can do amazing things in the world of science and technology, engineering, and math," Fossum continued. "The reaching, striving, learning, and the late-night studying lead to opportunities that are exciting."

Fossum was joined by Starbase General Manager, Kathy Lueders, and Executive Director of the Texas Space Commission, Norman Garza Jr.