They Recognize Collaborators Bringing Science from the Lab to the Community
Submitted on 16 January 2026 - 11:13am
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(Arecibo, Puerto Rico) January 10, 2026 — The Center for STEM Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement—known as Arecibo C3 (AC3) and developed at the former Arecibo Observatory site—held today the first of several events to recognize teachers, students, and scientists, including those who have contributed to the center’s educational and research projects during its pilot phase. During this period, the groundwork has been laid for the opening of its Visitor Center to the general public, planned for later this year.
To date, it is estimated that more than 600 students, teachers, researchers, and community members have participated in AC3’s pilot phase through its programs in education, scientific research, and community partnerships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These initiatives aim to transform the legacy of the historic Arecibo Observatory into hands-on, accessible experiences for Puerto Rico.
“We paused to thank those who have made it possible for Arecibo C3 to become a space where science is learned by doing and connected to the daily lives of our communities,” said Jason Williams, one of the project’s lead researchers and deputy director at the DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York.
“Your collaboration has been key to transforming the legacy of the Arecibo Observatory into a new stage focused on STEM education, computational skills, and community engagement, as we move toward our official opening to the public in 2026,” Williams added.
During the event, progress was shared on initiatives that exemplify Arecibo C3’s service-oriented approach in areas such as:
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Molecular biology and biodiversity: student field trips and research introducing modern techniques such as genetic analysis to understand and document biodiversity.
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Food security with pollinating bees: applied education on the role of pollinators in ecosystems and food production.
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Assistive technology for people who are blind or visually impaired: exposure to accessibility tools and assistive technologies that promote educational and social inclusion.
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Digital skills training in communities with limited access: modules to develop computing skills useful for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
“It is inspiring to see teachers and students become leaders in the scientific process and multipliers of knowledge in their schools and communities,” said Patricia Ordoñez, lead researcher at Arecibo C3 and professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. According to project leaders, making STEM relevant to everyday citizens—regardless of academic or socioeconomic background—is essential. “Our focus is practical application: we use STEM to address concrete challenges such as protecting our ecosystems, ensuring food security, improving accessibility, and closing digital gaps. In this way, we turn learning into solutions that impact daily life,” reiterated José Agosto, who represents the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus, as a lead researcher on the project.
About Arecibo C3
Arecibo C3 is a consortium led by the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus; the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in New York, with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Together, these organizations advance educational research, talent development, and community partnerships that position Puerto Rico as a regional hub for STEM innovation while expanding access to high-value resources.
