Page 16 - 2013 AISES Annual Report Flipbook

College ProfileCollege Chapter Profile — Majoring in SuccessJeffrey Ross, PhD in Biology, University of UtahJeffrey Ross is the perfect example of why the AISES College Program exists. Jeffrey, a graduate student at the University of Utah, currently serves as an AISES Junior National Student Representative (NSR). He first joined AISES when he was an undergraduate at the University of Montana.He says, “My decision to do so was simply based on the desire to be involved in a non-political student group of Native American, Alaskan Native, and First Nation students that provided a support system for one another and sought to increase the visibility of Native American students in the various STEM fields through participation in various on-campus events.”Jeffrey has been a member of AISES for five years. Although he initially just wanted help succeeding as an undergraduate majoring in a STEM field, he soon realized that AISES provided much more.Explains Jeffrey, “For example, my attendance at various AISES National Conferences offeredan opportunity to showcase my undergraduate and graduate research in a student competition. More so, attendance at these events allowed me to see the vast number of Native Americans in the STEM fields and identify role models who’ve encouraged me to pursue an advanced degree.”Through AISES, he’s been able to serve as a role model himself and increase his peer network in biology. In addition to making important connections, AISES was able to connect him with a much needed scholarship. Says Jeffrey, “I also received an A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship during the 2013-14 year which was a great help in covering academic-related expenses.”Jeffrey goes on to add, “In a time when funding of other programs supporting minority STEM education seems to be in a steady decline, AISES has been doing a great job, making sure scholarships and other opportunities are still available for its student membership.”Even with all of his other commitments, Jeffrey made the decision to run for NSR. “In a time when many Native Americans enter and often fail to succeed in college as non-traditional students for a variety of reasons,” he states, “I felt that it was important to have an older student serve as an ambassador and role model for other AISES student members.”Although it’s been a challenge to balance his NSR responsibilities with his many other commitments, Jeffrey says it’s all been worth it. What would he tell a prospective memberabout AISES? “Get involved! AISES offers something for everyone at the national, regional, and chapter level, regardless of your major. The National and Regional Student Representatives serve as the voice of AISES’ student members at the national level. Thus, if any student has questions or concerns, please get in touch with us at anytime! Contact information can be found at www. aises.org/membership.college.”AISES is proud to have dedicated members like Jeffrey. Although he may be a non-traditional student, he’s very traditional in one way—like most bright, talented Native people he wants to succeed. And AISES is honored to be able help give him that chance.14