UNM team competes as semifinalists in 2026 National Ethics Case Competition

An undergraduate team from the University of New Mexico will compete as semifinalists in the 2026 National Ethics Case Competition, scheduled for April 16-18 in Washington, D.C.

Ranked among the top 18 teams in the nation, the group will analyze complex business ethics dilemmas and present solutions to a panel of judges for a chance to win $250,000. The competition is hosted by Texas A&M University in partnership with the Daniels Fund, a philanthropic organization that promotes ethics and principle-based leadership.

The team - Andoni Gajjo, Ethan Garcia, Solomon Gbara and Haasika Jagirapu - is coached by Anderson School of Management lecturer, Lucio Lanucara. Andoni and Solomon are fourth-year business students, while Ethan and Haasika are first year students studying business and computer science, respectively.

The four students first connected after competing against each other in pairs at a competition last fall, where they placed first and second. Shortly after, they joined forces to compete at the national level.

"I didn't know anyone on the team before, but now I feel like we are a really strong group," Haasika said. "We know how to work together, and I'm excited for the national competition."

To reach the semifinals, the team advanced through two rounds that required written analyses and a comprehensive case study. In earlier rounds, they examined ethical challenges in the nuclear energy sector, including the handling of nuclear waste - an issue with particular relevance to New Mexico.

For the third round, the team has spent the past month preparing a case analysis that they will present to a panel of judges. The students will have 10 minutes to present their findings followed by a seven-minute Q&A session.

With each round of the competition, the team has refined its collaborative process, enabling them to work together more seamlessly and effectively.

"We start with a meeting to identify what we need to learn regarding the prompts," Andoni said. "Then each of us conducts research and brings it back to the group. We review everything together and decide whether to keep, revise or move on from each idea."

Participants are challenged to evaluate real-world business dilemmas, often requiring them to balance competing priorities such as shareholder value, community impact, and long-term outcomes.

"Before this, I thought ethics was just about right and wrong," said Haasika. "But it's much more complex. You have to consider multiple stakeholders, and there isn't always one clear answer."

"Participating has given me a clearer framework for thinking about ethics. Before, it was just 'do good'-but what does that really mean? Now I'm able to think more critically about what makes something ethical and understand the reasoning behind it," said Andoni.

For Solomon, this competition has inspired him to continue to explore the ethical obstacles of nuclear energy and seek out more information.

"It's extremely complex, like most issues that we're dealing with in today's society. It's reminded me that people from different backgrounds and areas have various perspectives, and it's important for me to just listen to them," said Solomon.

The finals will take place shortly after the semifinals where the advancing teams will be given two hours to analyze a new case and present their recommendations to judges.

"It would be a huge win, especially as Haasika and I are setting up our future in academia," said Ethan. "Making it to the final round would show that we can compete at this level and put New Mexico on the map in national competitions."

As the team prepares to represent UNM on a national stage, they carry with them not only months of preparation but a shared commitment to thoughtful, principled decision-making. Regardless of the outcome, their journey reflects the growing importance of ethical leadership in today's business landscape.