In my family, there are currently three generations of engineers. I am poised to become the fourth. It may seem like I was always destined to be an engineer, but I spent years determining my career path, and even now I don’t feel that it’s set in stone. As a junior at the University of Arizona, I am working toward a degree in biomedical engineering. But I’m not stopping there. My ultimate goal is an MD/PhD, and I am well on my way.

I grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota around traditional ceremonies, learning spirituality from my elders and science from my mother. My parents and grandparents prioritized the Lakota way of life and I always wanted to be like them. They are visionaries, and I’m thankful I was raised to see how innovative, grounded, and hopeful Lakota people are. My Ina (mother) was a single mother who raised my siblings and me while attending school and working full time before she met my Ate’ (stepdad) when I was two years old.

I started out at the University of Saskatchewan in biochemistry. For that major, physics was a prerequisite. Although I had taken physics in high school, it wasn’t my favorite subject. I liked biology and chemistry, but the reading in those courses became overwhelming. Physics, on the other hand, included lab work. We learn theories, and then in the lab, we see those theories in action. That helped me understand the material better, and I decided to switch my major to physics. 

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. 

The college process is daunting. Between standardized tests, submitting applications, and waiting to be accepted, it’s not easy. Once accepted, there’s the question of how you will pay for college. Many Native students do not have enough funds readily available to cover their schooling. That’s where scholarships come in. Today, there are some amazing scholarship opportunities to help Native students on their college journey. Here are a few of the top scholarships to consider.

College is a time for you to explore, try new things, and learn more about yourself. Over the course of four years, you may find that your interests change, your goals look different, and your future isn’t necessarily what you thought it would be. Four years pass quickly, so use this time wisely to set yourself up for the future. Here are a few ways to do just that.

Being a college student in today’s world is stressful. You have to worry about classes, your living situation, whether or not you need to work, making friends, and more. Not only is your day packed with classes and activities, it’s also probably packed with stress. Don’t let stress derail your college experience. Here are five tips for managing stress on campus.

The college application process can seem daunting. Add in the complications that come from applying during a global pandemic, and many students may be ready to throw in the towel before they've even begun. Here are a few tips for a successful college application process.

Being a college student is hard. You have to worry about classes, your living situation, whether you need to work, making friends, and so much more. It’s a lot, and it can be overwhelming. Luckily there are a number of different tools to help you successfully navigate your college career. Here are a few apps to keep you on top of everything from class to cash.

So you’re starting college soon. It’s a big deal, especially if you’ll be living away from home for the first time. While the amazing experiences ahead will be accompanied by some challenges along the way, there are key life skills that will help you stay on the path to graduation. Mastering these five things could make a difference for you before, during, and after college.