Cutline: NOC Students (L-R) Aniya Berry, Madysun Strasburger, and Kenneth McLaughlin along with advisor Dr. Frankie Wood-Black attended the AISES Conference in San Antonio Oct. 4-6.
NOC students attend 2024 AISES National Conference
Three Northern Oklahoma College students attended the Annual AISES National Conference in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 4-6.
The students, Aniya Berry, Madysun Strasburger, and Kenneth McLaughlin as well as their advisor Dr. Frankie Wood-Black attended the meeting as part of the NASA sponsored MAIANSE Grant “Exploring the Sun and night sky through the lens of the Skywatchers.”
During the meeting, students attended presentations from a variety of Federal agencies learning about the different science, research and job opportunities that are available. Additionally, the students interacted with groups from across the United States and Canada learning about the other activities taking place in the various AISES Regions. AISES, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, is a national non-profit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math studies and careers.
The annual conference showcases work performed by a variety of professionals and hosts numerous panel discussions about what it is like to work in various companies, government agencies, research organizations, and non-profits. Students and professionals can get support in developing resumes and discuss various career opportunities with individuals working within agencies and companies. Additionally, students and professionals can present the results of their own research work. The event culminates with an awards recognition dinner and powwow.
Aniya Berry summed up the experience “I can confidently say I went home with a vast amount of beneficial information. Whether it was knowledge of my major and future or navigating certain situations in one’s day-to-day life, the AISES conference had it all.”
This was the first time that Dr. Wood-Black had attended this conference, and noted “this is an ideal conference for students wanting to see what career opportunities are available in science and engineering. The atmosphere was great, and all the students were able to discuss opportunities, career paths, and find supportive mentors. This is a conference where I will take students again as there is so much valuable information.”
Dr. Wood-Black indicated that membership in AISES is free for college students, and is working to form an AISES Chapter at Northern Oklahoma College. If you are interested in learning more about the NASA research going on at NOC, or interested in learning more about the opportunities that AISES provides, you can contact her at Frankie.WoodBlack@noc.edu.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater. Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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