On March 30, 2024, Ashley Machado, a graduate student in the UNM Department of Nuclear Engineering, was announced as the recipient of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme.

Machado, who is a master’s student at UNM, expressed her enthusiasm for the field by stating, "Once being in the program, I loved all it entailed wholly and desired to grow to become a great nuclear engineer."

Having previously been a UNM Presidential Scholarship recipient and earning her bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering in 2023, Machado is described as an Albuquerque native and first-generation American. She chose UNM for its proximity to family and the university's strong nuclear engineering program.

Throughout her academic journey, Machado has been actively engaged in the American Nuclear Society and has been recognized as the recipient of the Glenn and Ruth Whan Scholarship. Currently interning at Sandia National Laboratories, she is involved in nuclear waste disposal research and analysis. Machado is set to graduate in December and has expressed her desire to continue her work as a nuclear engineer at Sandia post-graduation.

The Curie Fellowship awarded to Machado will cover her tuition, living expenses, and provide a scholarship opportunity during the final semester of her master’s studies, either with the IAEA or elsewhere.

Ashley Machado's dedication to the field of nuclear engineering and her commitment to professional growth serve as a testament to the bright future ahead for this talented student.