LM staff participated in the STEM Activity Day and college and career fair at the 2024 American Indian Science and Engineering Society National Conference
October 22, 2024
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Left to right: LMSP Navajo Nation Public Affairs Specialist Lillie Lane, LMSP Public Affairs Tribal Specialist Shine Salt, LM Public Affairs Specialist Gwen Smalls, and LMSP Outreach Coordinator Kayla Bia set up at the AISES National Conference Career Day.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) staff attended the 2024 American Indian Science and Engineering Society National Conference Oct. 2-4 in San Antonio, Texas.
The AISES National Conference is the leading conference for Indigenous high school and college students and Native American educational professionals from throughout the United States and Canada. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are highlights of the conference, which includes a variety of exhibitors with representatives from tribal nations, tribal enterprises, Indigenous-owned businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions. AISES also emphasizes Native American culture, and it provides students with skills, tools, and resources for various all careers.
The three-day event, with special activities, attracted more than 1,000 attendees this year, at least 200 exhibits, and more than 100 sessions. AISES also features a market where Native artisans sell Native American jewelry and regalia.
LM Site Managers Angelita Denny, Joni Tallbull, and LM Public Affairs Specialist Gwen Smalls, and LM Program Communication Specialist Shawn Montgomery, and LM Support Partners participated in this year’s conference that included a STEM Activity Day and college and career fair.
The interactive STEM event included hands-on activities that focused on Navajo ecology and the role it plays on the Navajo Nation sites. Students were able to engage with plants and other Navajo cultural items that are used in traditional lives of Navajo people. There was wool that can be dyed and made into a rug, moccasins made from buckskin and Navajo tea for students to sample. Students also made cedar bead bracelets, which was part of the STEM demonstration. Navajos believe cedar beads are protective, and use them to adorn the young.
“The students had a positive reaction to the Navajo ecology model, and I think that they appreciated the display and hands-on activities that were inspired by cultural traditions,” said LM Site Manager Joni Tallbull. “It was great to hear the conversations that came about, and to see the students coming to relax and bead together while talking about school, the AISES event, and their beadwork, as well as cultural topics. I hope that the students left our display feeling grounded and confident going into the AISES conference.”
The College and Career fair featured educational institutions, prominent federal and tribal agencies and brand name companies who shared opportunities for higher education and career opportunities. Approximately 300 high school and college students attended the event.
“I felt the STEM event was an overwhelming success. The activities this year were unique and interactive. I could tell the students really enjoyed it and they got to take something with them afterwards,” said LM Public Affairs Specialist Gwen Smalls.
The Department of Energy has sponsored AISES conferences for years. AISES includes many more events for students. All these events support students with information for their education and careers.
High school students gather at LM’s table to create their own beaded bracelets and sample Navajo tea during the STEM Activity Day.