Part of the 2026 Indigenous STEM Project
A free, interactive online event designed for Indigenous youth, families, and educators.
Hear from Indigenous STEM professionals as they share their career journeys, insights, and the importance of cultural identity in STEM. This is your chance to learn, connect, and envision pathways to STEM success!
Learning Objectives:
- Identify Indigenous STEM career pathways by learning about diverse professions and contributions from Indigenous professionals.
- Explore how cultural identity influences STEM engagement and career aspirations to better support Native students’ motivation and success.
- Apply strategies for integrating Indigenous perspectives into classroom discussions about STEM careers to inspire students and affirm cultural relevance.
Featuring —
Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi Nation)
Robin is a mother, scientist, and decorated professor. She is the author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants and other titles. Read full bio.
Aaron Yazzie (Navajo)
Aaron is a Mechanical Systems Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He designs mechanical systems for NASA’s robotic space research missions, focusing on Planetary Sample Acquisition and Handling. Read full bio.
Sanjiv Thompson-Ruiz (White Mountain Apache)
Sanjiv is a K-5th grade STEAM teacher on the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Arizona. She recognizes the importance of incorporating cultural representation into her teaching practices.
- For questions regarding this resource, please contact Arizona Department of Education (ADE).
- Contact Name: Leann Smith
- Email Address: leann.smith@azed.gov