Dr. Lydia Jennings doesn’t run from a challenge. After all, she completed her PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Arizona in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. And there are many times when she actually runs toward a challenge.

Dr. Jennings, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, set a goal of completing a 50-mile fundraising run to honor 50 Indigenous scientists who inspired her own academic achievements — one scientist per mile. Dr. Jennings chose this goal because, as she worked on her dissertation citing Indigenous research, she found herself thankful for the scholarship of so many Indigenous scholars before her who are creating pathways and programs for herself and others to succeed. As an aspiring professor, she wants to be able to create pathways for future students as well. Dr. Jennings also reflected on her educational trajectory, and as a former waitress that supported herself through her undergraduate education, she was struck with how COVID-19 impacted students also supporting themselves through their education. Not being able to work due to COVID-19 could be a barrier to students—potentially her future students. This inspired Dr. Jennings to celebrate her academic achievements in a way that supports future students and celebrates the practice of self-care that running can be. Running 50 miles through Tohono O’odham lands to raise funds through her love of running seemed a natural choice. As the beneficiary of her fundraiser, she selected the AISES T3 Fund, given how AISES introduced her to many academic mentors and supported her throughout her educational journey.

On March 20th she completed her run, and the AISES family is celebrating her accomplishment. So far, Dr. Jennings has raised close to $10,000 for students impacted by the pandemic. There is still time to donate to her fundraiser by visiting www.aises.org/always-runners.

AISES thanks Dr. Jennings not only for her support for struggling students but also for her success in highlighting the talents of Indigenous scientists. Stay tuned as AISES shares more exciting news about Dr. Jennings in summer 2021. Meanwhile, check out her list of inspirational scientists here.