American Indian Science and Engineering Society chapter earns national honor

For the fourth year in a row, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) chapter at South Dakota State University returned from its national conference with a national award.

This year the chapter received the Impact to AISES Mission Award, which considers four areas — community engagement, cultural integration, professional development and advocacy and awareness.

Morgan Curd, who is one of the chapter’s co-presidents, detailed the chapter’s work in each of those areas.

Community engagement: The chapter has raised funds to donate Christmas gifts to three families in need in the Lower Brule community. Members also have been involved in many different science shows and displays put on for young students including Spooky Science and the Pipestone Star Party, both hosted by faculty adviser Larry Browning. 

“Our chapter aims to inspire and mentor Native American youth, promoting STEM education and careers,” Curd said.

Cultural integration: The chapter has incorporated Native cultural perspectives into its activities, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among members.

Professional development: The chapter has provided resources, workshops and networking opportunities for members to develop their skills and advance in their careers. Some networking activities include medicine bag making, medicine wheel activities and resume-building workshops.

Advocacy and awareness: The chapter has helped raise awareness about challenges faced by Native communities, advocating for better support and resources. Some examples included participating in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Walk at SDSU, Orange Shirt Day, which honors Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools; and the traveling pants initiative, which is led by Margo’s Place, Brookings’ domestic abuse shelter.

Previously, the chapter won the Outreach and Community Service Chapter Award in 2023 and 2021. In 2022, the chapter won the Distinguished Chapter of the Year Award, the Advocacy Partner Service Award and the Recruitment and Retention Award.

The AISES chapter at SDSU was formed in 1992. It was reestablished in 2014 after a period of inactivity and currently has 31 members from a variety of majors. 

The executive members, their positions and their majors: Katherine Charging and Morgan Curd, co-presidents, nursing; Taylor Even, vice president, animal science; Mariah Morrow, secretary, psychology; Delaney Wilson, treasurer, pre-pharmacy; Savanah Crowe, public relations chair, nutrition and dietetics; Ava Young, tribal outreach chair, psychology; and Riya Ketelsen, Joint Engineering Council rep, mechanical engineering. 

In addition to Browning, the chapter is supported by staff adviser Paige Cain and graduate adviser Cierra Sazue.

The 2024 national conference was Oct. 3-5 in San Antonio, where the national organization changed its name to Advancing Indigenous People in STEM.