ND EPSCoR supports Student Research Showcase at AIHEC Student Conference

By Mandy Guinn, United Tribes Technical College

Students from Tribal Colleges and Universities across the United States gathered last week in Bismarck, ND, for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Conference, an annual event that celebrates Indigenous student achievement through academic competition, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge.

The conference provides students with opportunities to compete in a variety of disciplines. This year, ND EPSCoR sponsored the awards for the scientific poster and oral presentation competitions and the knowledge bowl, which highlighted the research and innovation of Tribal college students pursuing degrees in STEM.

The research showcase featured 38 poster presentations and 13 oral presentations, representing students from 14 different Tribal colleges and a wide range of Tribal Nations. Students presented research spanning environmental science, biology, engineering, and other STEM disciplines, often connecting scientific inquiry with issues important to their communities.

The success of the event was made possible through a strong network of partnerships that continue to support Indigenous student development in STEM. Judges represented organizations including USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Mandan, Montana Dakota Utility Resources Group Inc. in Bismarck, North Dakota State University, Dakota State University, Keweenaw Ojibwe Community College, and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

Among the judges was Dr. Billi Jean Petermann, who previously received an ND EPSCoR-funded research assistantship while working under Dr. Eric Brevik at Dickinson State University. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “Because of this support, I found my passion for soil science.” With continued mentorship from Dr. Brevik, Dr. Craig Whippo, and Dr. Joshua Stefan, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in soil microbial ecology from Texas Tech University. Dr. Petermann now works with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in Mandan, ND. Dr. Petermann noted that serving as a judge provided a meaningful opportunity to give back and support the next generation of Indigenous scholars.

The continued success of the AIHEC Student Conference highlights the critical role that programs like ND EPSCoR can play in expanding access to research opportunities for Tribal college students. Through sustained investment, mentorship, and collaboration, these efforts are helping to build a strong, diverse, and resilient STEM workforce.

Scientific Oral Presentation Winners

1st Place — Wayant Billey, Navajo Technical University

“Laser-Induced Graphene Electrochemical Sensors: Bridging Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Environmental Monitoring for Community Health”

2nd Place — Savannah Hackey, College of Menominee Nation

“Building a Northern Fruit Tree Consortium”

3rd Place — Ebony Schultz, United Tribes Technical College

“Monitoring Mosquito Populations for West Nile Virus Using Trap-Based Sampling in Bismarck, North Dakota”

Scientific Poster Presentation Winners

1st Place — Carl White, United Tribes Technical College

“Comparative Study of Metal Ion Sensitivity and Time-Dependent Complexation Behavior with Resorcinol”

2nd Place — Camille Youngbird, United Tribes Technical College

“Calculus-Based Trajectory Design and Optimization for Autonomous Drone Flight Systems”

3rd Place — Isaiah Bruce, Turtle Mountain College

“Gamifying Native Language Learning: An Ojibwe Wordle Project”

Knowledge Bowl Winners

Oglala Lakota College — Summer Dupree, Jordan Little Whiteman, Christina Plenty Wounds, Leslie Vermillion

Interested in supporting other Tribal college STEM events? Check out the Tribal College Research Symposium hosted by United Tribes Technical College April 22 and 23 in Bismarck, ND.