Happy Native American Heritage Month! Here are 4 influential Native American figures that changed the STEM industry.
Bertha Parker
Bertha Parker was the first Indigenous women archaeologist, finding the earliest evidence of humans in America over 10,000 years ago. Without being professionally trained, Parker also worked at other known archaeologist sites like Scorpion Hill Pueblo, and Corn Creek.
Learn more here: https://sd2.org/the-first-native-american-archeologist-was-self-taught-bertha-parkers-story/
Aaron Yazzie
Aaron Yazzie is a mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, designing mechanical systems or collecting and analyzing planetary samples to analyze the atmosphere and soil on Mars. He has contributed to the Mars Science Laboratory Rover mission, the Mars InSight Lander Mission, the Mars2020 Rover Mission, and now the Mars Sample Return Campaign.
Learn more here: https://www.aaronyazzie.com/about
Dr. Lori Alvord
Dr. Lori Arviso Alvord is a Native American surgeon and author. She is perhaps best known for being the first Diné woman to ever become board certified in surgery. Her autobiography, The Scalpel and the Silver Bear, has brought increased attention to her career as a surgeon. Dr. Alvord bridges two worlds of medicine – traditional Navajo healing and conventional Western medicine to fully treat her patient.
Read more here: https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_7.html
Gerald McMaster
Gerald McMaster merges art, engineering principles, and cultural preservation. As an artist, curator, and academic, McMaster has curated exhibitions and contributed significantly to Indigenous art and cultural studies. His installations often incorporate engineering concepts to explore cultural identity and address contemporary issues.
Learn more here: https://www.aci-iac.ca/art-books/iljuwas-bill-reid/about-the-author/
Who is your favorite Native American that has influences STEM/STEAM careers? Let us know in the comments!
VARconnection 