Haskell Indian Nations University is celebrating the remarkable achievements of its American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) chapter, highlighting its members’ dedication to advancing STEM education and fostering Indigenous representation in science and technology fields. From October 3-5, 2024, the club was able to attend the AISES national conference in San Antonio, Texas. Representing HINU’s AISES chapter, Vice President Angelina Giago and Treasurer Aiyanna Tanyan connected with Indigenous STEM students and professionals from across Indian Country, building networks and gathering insights that they plan to bring back to support the community at HINU.
Reflecting on her experience, Giago said, “I loved that our traditional culture and practices are included in the research of Indigenous scientists. As Indigenous people, we are always working to protect the environment, and seeing this reflected in STEM is powerful. I want to become a lawyer, and this conference inspired me to keep going. The connections I made and the support I felt strengthened my commitment to advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental justice.”
As a committed leader, Giago aims to share the knowledge, resources, and connections she gained with her fellow HINU chapter of AISES members so that next year more students can attend.
Tanyan, another HINU chapter member, said, “I thought the AISES conference was a great opportunity to gain networking experience. There’s a variety of people from Indigenous organizations as well as non-Indigenous organizations. Diverse conversations happened throughout the entire conference, ranging from medicinal plants to aerospace engineering. It’s always great to be exposed to these conversations because Native communities often lack access to workshops and STEM education, especially with geographic limitations. Having everything in one area was helpful and impactful.”
At HINU, the AISES chapter provides a supportive space for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The chapter aims to foster collaboration, mentorship, and cultural connection, helping members excel academically while staying rooted in their traditions. Chapter meetings take place every Thursday at 5:30 PM in the College of Natural and Social Sciences, Sequoyah Hall’s Math Lab in room 144, and are open to anyone passionate about advancing Indigenous representation in STEM fields, but you also don’t have to be a STEM major as all are welcome.
The HINU chapter is immensely proud of Angelina, Ayiana, and all of their chapter members who embody the spirit of HINU AISES. They are paving the way for a future where Indigenous students lead in STEM and ensure Indigenous voices are represented and respected in the field.
Follow HINU’s AISES chapter on Instagram: @aises.haskell24
