Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital in medicine, electronics, renewable energy, and communications. But extracting REEs is environmentally stressful, with multiple potential supply chain problems. To address this, I created Arctic Biotech Oath (arcticbiotechoath.com), a start-up to develop sustainable biotechnology to extract REEs from mine ore and tailings using microorganisms in a circumneutral pH rather than highly acidic compounds common to traditional techniques.
My Yup’ik name is Tanqiilnguq “One Who Brings Light,” and Arctic Biotech Oath will bring new light in the form of opportunities to my people and the nations brought together through AISES. Thanks to my start-up and my biotechnology research, I was honored this year by Senator Dan Sullivan on the floor of Congress as “Alaskan of the Week.”
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, where I have fond memories of Kotlik, the village where my people have lived and hunted since time immemorial. I learned the traditional seal hunt using a wooden spear and nuqaq (atlatl, or stick used to propel a spear). I found my interest in science in second grade when I began asking questions about the world around me — my first science project involved measuring how adding a nuqaq can increase the distance you can throw a spear.
My high school teachers and mentors helped guide me to my research path. I was lucky in that my high school experience offered opportunities to learn laboratory protocols such as genetic engineering techniques that are usually introduced much later. I drew inspiration from my family, college advisors, colleagues, and AISES. My grandmother taught me the value of listening, and my mother, who holds a master’s degree in environmental science, taught me that learning is a joy. My father taught me the value of a good work ethic.
I’m currently in my senior year at the University of Alaska Anchorage pursuing a degree in chemistry. For me, chemistry offers answers to pressing questions like how can we create chemical products that we want? How can we make REEs available sustainably?
The university is a great place to be in terms of innovation and growth. Alaska Natives welcome our fellow Indigenous peoples; we share many of the same issues, sovereign powers, and future potential. Besides AISES, my main efforts go toward research and training assistantships in applied biotechnology protocols.
During the summer of 2018, I participated in the university’s Della Keats Health Sciences Summer Program developing naturally occurring microorganisms to extract REEs using green biotechnology. This past summer I had the opportunity to be a research assistant doing ceramide-kidney research at the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics and Medical School through the Native American Summer Research Internship (NARI). This fall I presented at the 2021 National Academy of Inventors in the Next Generation Inventors session on my start-up and the biotechnology used for green biomining of REEs.
One challenge I’ve faced is finding peers and mentors of a similar ethnicity who understand our historical background. This situation may be changing as more Indigenous people fill these roles. I hope to be part of that movement. Another challenge is finding others with a drive to apply their knowledge. My mentor, research group, and societies like AISES have been of great help in overcoming such challenges.
I joined AISES in 2018 and I recently served as president of our College Chapter. Two of my goals are to encourage AISES members to think about problems they can solve and to invite Indigenous professionals to speak to future Indigenous leaders in STEM. AISES has been an important part of my journey by providing a forum where I can present my research and my ideas can have an impact. Every AISES member should attend a National Conference and share their ideas. At the 2019 AISES National Conference, I placed first in the Graduate Division Research. AISES partner Change Labs has been helpful in advising me on pitching my start-up and on presentation techniques. Their advice helped me win first place at the High North Dialogue Conference in Norway this year.
I predict we are going to see a rise in Indigenous entrepreneurs and tech enterprises, with AISES providing guidance along each unique path. My goals include being the CEO of a biotechnology company. The Arctic is a key place where Indigenous peoples will play a role. We will have a seat at the table to make decisions in terms of land, energy, and new enterprises.
