The American Indian Science and Engineering Society seeks to increase the representation of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science and technology.
Oklahoma State University’s AISES chapter has existed for more than 15 years, said chapter advisor Brenda Morales.
Morales said AISES, a professional organization with chapters nationwide, does a great job connecting underrepresented engineering students.
“They not only identify as engineers or scientists, but they also have that network connection nationwide for things that are going to assist them to enhance their academic journey,” Morales said.
There were around 20 students who attended AISES meetings regularly during the previous school year, and the group has grown its presence on campus over the past few years.
She said AISES is invaluable for the individual success of OSU engineering students and a support group for its members. Members of underrepresented groups have overcome obstacles others might not fully understand, and AISES can support those students.
Morales said she tells students of underrepresented groups that the engineering field is a workforce where many people won’t look like them and tells them it is OK to be in that situation.
“How do we prepare ourselves to have those conversations about anything, about how we view a building, or building in a certain area or community? So, there’s different conversations that are had, and not just about engineering itself, but how engineering is affected or affects them on a day-to-day basis,” Morales said. “But I think the biggest thing is, we showcase the beauty of OSU, and in all its facets, the diversity that we have.”
Mason Adams, a spring 2024 CEAT graduate, was president of the OSU chapter of AISES during the 2023-24 school year.
He said the past year was great for increasing memberships as roles and procedures were formalized. This led to planning meetings in a way that allowed AISES to focus on more defined aspects of the organization.
More events were held on campus, including the Region 4 conference, which Adams said took a lot of planning. More than 100 attended the event, which “turned out very nicely.”
When it comes to helping AISES members feel more comfortable on campus, Adams said he always hoped the organization could be a safe space for members to hang out and meet new people.
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