Miranda Thompson-Image Cherokee One Feather

Breaking Barriers: EBCI’s Miranda Thompson Meyer Inspires Native Women in STEM

November 23, 20241 min read

In a groundbreaking testament to Native American excellence, Miranda Thompson Meyer, an EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) tribal member, is making waves at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. As one of only 28 Native Americans from federally recognized tribes working at NASA, Meyer exemplifies the importance of Native representation in STEM fields, inspiring a new generation of Indigenous women to pursue careers in science and technology.

Meyer’s journey from the Birdtown community in Cherokee, NC, to NASA showcases perseverance and dedication. She served as Teen Miss Cherokee in 2003-04, demonstrating leadership at an early age, and later excelled during her distinguished military career in the U.S. Army, earning five Army Commendation medals and being named Soldier of the Year for the 249th Engineer Battalion in 2013.

At NASA, Meyer combines her military discipline with academic achievements, including three degrees (two at the master’s level), to tackle complex contracting and procurement roles. Her work is integral to developing groundbreaking technology that explores Earth and the universe, showing that Indigenous women have a place in shaping the future of science and exploration.

For Native American women, Meyer’s success highlights the importance of breaking barriers in traditionally underrepresented fields. Programs like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) are critical in creating pathways for Native students to enter STEM fields. AISES provides mentorship, scholarships, and resources to support Indigenous students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Meyer’s achievements remind young Cherokee citizens, particularly women, that the possibilities are limitless. Her story proves that cultural heritage and professional excellence can coexist, encouraging Native youth to aim for the stars.

To learn more about resources for Native students in STEM, visit AISES. For the full story of Miranda Thompson Meyer, click here.

Source and image: CherokeeOneFeather

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