Virginia Tech hosts conference advancing Indigenous representation in STEM

Renée Stewart

26 Jun 2024

Photo is courtesy of April Armijo from AISES. In the cockpit is Cyra Lowery, she is a graduating senior at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. — Cyra Lowery, a graduating senior at University of North Carolina at Pembroke, at a conference activity. Photo courtesy of April Armijo.

Virginia Tech played first-time host to the Region 7 conference for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) on April 4 -5 at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton. The sold-out event was also the first AISES regional conference to partner with and be held at a government research facility.

Founded in 1977, AISES is a national nonprofit whose mission is “focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands" in STEM studies and careers. Regional and national conferences are held every year to bring together members of the organization.

For the 2024 conference, Nansemond Indian Nation tribal members, NASA employees, AISES professional members, and Virginia Tech faculty and students worked together to organize the event around the theme of Launching Connections.

“The students really drove the vision,” said Mikaela David-John, associate director of Virginia Tech's Student Opportunity and Achievement Resources Program and a co-advisor for the organization.

David-John described the student-led initiative as a transformational leadership experience.

“Students have the opportunity to be leaders in this capacity. [The organization] provides leadership experience that they normally wouldn’t get outside of this, and they get to grow, connect, and share their culture in an academic setting,” she said.

The theme of Launching Connections resonated throughout the event. Twenty-seven breakout sessions spanned topics from traditional knowledge to cutting-edge robotics, offering a diverse platform for exploration and learning. Proposals were open to all members across the region, covering the realms of academic success, leadership, Indigenous arts, and STEM.

Photo is courtesy of April Armijo from AISES. Mackenzie Locklear , a Virginia Tech student at the Nansemond Indian Nation part of the conference at Mattanock Town, stands holding an oyster wearing a ribbon skirt. — Mackenzie Locklear at the Nansemond Indian Nation part of the conference at Mattanock Town. Photo courtesy of April Armijo.

Photo is courtesy of April Armijo from AISES. Irma Adams, a Virginia Tech student at the Nansemond Indian Nation part of the conference at Mattanock Town, stands holding an oyster wearing a multicolored ribbon skirt. — Irma Adams at the Nansemond Indian Nation part of the conference at Mattanock Town. Photo courtesy of April Armijo.

Virginia Tech graduate students showcased their research and had the opportunity to have headshots taken, attend mini-sessions, and participate in workshops focused on advancing Indigenous peoples in STEM careers.

“One of the best parts of the conference was being able to make so many connections and engage in professional growth,” said Irma Adams, incoming vice president of the Virginia Tech AISES chapter. “It’s not often to have a room full of accomplished professionals that want to help you navigate the professional world.”

For Adams, the conference did more than offer professional opportunities.

“AISES just does a fantastic job,” she said. “Not only in academics, but also with culture. That aspect is unique to the program.”

AISES aims to bridge cultures, foster community, and empower the next generation of Native leaders through its conferences, awards, and professional development opportunities. Six scholarships were awarded on-site by the Nansemond Indian Nation, who partnered with the conference to host the final day on tribal lands in Suffolk. The tribal council welcomed attendees to observe and celebrate Virginia's rich Indigenous cultures and environmental heritage in a convergence of tradition and innovation.

Brendan David-John, assistant professor of computer science, embraces AISES’ philosophy in his work both as a professor and as the co-advisor for Virginia Tech’s AISES chapter. He knows personally the importance of mentorship and visibility.

“It is so powerful for the students to see other Natives happy and passionate in the roles that students aspire to do themselves,” David-John said. “As a student, I spoke with someone in AISES who encouraged me to apply for a research role and it set off this whole trajectory. That mentorship role was the only reason I found this career path that I love. So, being able to play a similar role as a faculty member, I want to be able to give back to students and the community. Enabling that for students is huge.”

Bryce Burrell, who was the first president of the Virginia Tech AISES chapter that was founded in 2022, reflected on the importance of Indigenous representation and the power of showcasing these sacred lands and practices at the conference.

"Ending on tribal lands served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all knowledge systems, from the technological marvels of NASA to the timeless wisdom of ancestral practices,” he said. “Technology is not just electricity or circuits. Seeing the plows, rakes, and all of the technological tools of the ancestors made such a great connection. It brought into perspective that there are sciences and technologies that come the earth. Traditional knowledge is still so important.”

For Mackenzie Locklear, the incoming chapter president, AISES was a lifeline. When she joined as a first-year student, the advisors and other club members welcomed her immediately. They provided professional development and lifelong friendships. She hopes to carry that spirit forward in her time leading the chapter.

“There’s no need to be native or even in STEM — we welcome everyone,” she said. “I love the people part of it. You foster relationships with people you never would’ve thought you could meet and get to experience so many new things.”

To get involved, reach out to AISES on Gobbler Connect or on Instagram.