By Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee 411
STILLWATER, Okla. The Oklahoma State University College Chapter of the Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society will welcome students, alumni and professionals to a Back to School Bash later this month, offering an evening of food, networking and support for Native students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
The event is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Hideaway Pizza, 230 S. Knoblock St., in Stillwater. Food and drinks will be provided through the sponsorship of Dr. Cara Cowan Watts, CEO of Tulsa Pier Drilling and president of both the Oklahoma Professional Chapter and the Cherokee Professional Chapter of AISES. The Cherokee Professional Chapter includes citizens of the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the United Keetoowah Band who hold STEM degrees.
Organizers said the gathering is intended to kick off the new school year and bring together AISES professionals, alumni, current students and prospective members as they build connections and invest in the future of Native STEM students.
“We invite all of OSU AISES alumni to come visit with current students, and everyone should encourage OSU Native students with science, technology, mathematics degrees or interest in STEM to join us,” Cowan Watts said. “Tulsa Pier Drilling is excited to host this back-to-school event.”
The event is open to officers and members of both the Oklahoma and Cherokee Professional Chapters of AISES, OSU AISES alumni, current OSU AISES students, and prospective members.
Attendees will have opportunities to meet and network with current and prospective members; learn how to serve as guest speakers at OSU AISES meetings; sponsor a pizza night for an upcoming meeting; become a mentor; and build lasting relationships with fellow professionals, alumni, and students.
“Whether you are a long-time AISES member, an alumnus looking to reconnect, or a professional interested in giving back, we would love to have you join us as we work together to inspire and empower the next generation of Native STEM leaders,” organizers said.
The OSU AISES College Chapter is led by President Chad Zerr, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Russell Springs, Kansas, and a first-year doctoral student studying entomology; Vice President Ava Garceau, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Moore and a senior studying architectural engineering; Treasurer Presley Brandt, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Broken Arrow and a master’s student studying entomology; and Student Council Representative Emma Whitehill, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Skiatook and a sophomore studying entomology.
“We are excited to engage and communicate with the OPC AISES and any students who are interested in joining our organization,” Zerr said. “We hope to have a chance to build relationships while having an excellent time with great food and company.”
The Chapter is advised by Melissa Reed, a Postdoctoral Fellow in Entomology and Plant Pathology, and Brenda Morales, Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Student Engagement and Manager of Student Services.
Organizers extended thanks to Dr. Cara Cowan Watts and Tulsa Pier Drilling for their support of the event and their continued investment in Native student success.
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This article was written by Cara Cowan Watts for Cherokee 411.
