AISES was organized in 1977 to support and encourage American Indians to pursue careers in various sciences and engineering fields. The organization has awarded almost $12 million in academic scholarships and has provided internships, leadership development and other resources. There are more than 5,600 AISES members across the country.

AISES selected USD for criteria that includes the number of Indigenous students attending the institution and a recognition that it is a place where the community and Indigenous programs support students.

USD’s AISES chapter is led by co-president Amari Weston (Ihanktonwan Nakota, Wagner, South Dakota), co-president Julianna Benge (Sicangu Lakota, Martin, South Dakota), and secretary Josie May (Oglala Lakota, Martin, South Dakota).

“We are honored to serve as a student organization that supports Indigenous scholars at USD," said the AISES members. "The mission of AISES is to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America in traditional STEM studies and careers, including health sciences, social sciences and biomedical research. Our USD AISES chapter contributes to this mission through promoting research, professional development, leadership and culturally relevant opportunities for our student members from tribal nations across the region.”

The honor will be described in a special, upcoming issue of the national AISES magazine, Winds of Change.

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Hanna DeLange
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