STEAM Collaborations with Indigenous Peoples

Authors

• ID Raplee
• K Chang
• S Appelberg
• J Williams
• J Salesman
• M Goodenow

Abstract

The Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Collaborations with Indigenous Peoples (SCIP) committee provides outreach to Native Peoples and promotes research and educational opportunities in the sciences and related fields. Located in Hamilton, Montana, RML provides training and employment in infectious disease research and educational services for middle-school through college graduates and beyond. Scientists at RML work on vaccine development, prion diseases, bacteria, and viruses that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease and Covid. There are state-of-the-art high containment laboratories and facilities that include microscopy, DNA and RNA sequencing, medical illustration, bioinformatic analysis, and information technology. The RML SCIP Committee seeks to improve the National Institutes of Health’s relationship and collaborative efforts with American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. SCIP aims to achieve these goals by enhancing communication between RML and AIAN communities, offering educational opportunities to students and educators, collaborating on research projects, and enhancing cultural understanding. To help accomplish the goals, SCIP hosts an annual “Open House” conference, inviting educators, students, researchers, and college faculty from AIAN communities across Montana and nationally. In addition, SCIP facilitates and participates in outreach programs and collaborative research projects focused on bringing science education and research capabilities to AIAN communities. Future efforts are aimed at building research experience for AIAN college faculty and students through workshops, conferences, one on one training opportunities, and collaborative research.

Scientific Focus Area: Research Support Services

This page was last updated on Monday, September 25, 2023