Dr. Wren Walker Robbins

Dr. Wren Walker Robbins

The Salish Kootenai College scientist and educator is recognized for her leadership in STEM education.

Biological scientist and educator Dr. Wren Walker Robbins is the 2022 Ely S. Parker Award winner. Now in its 39th year, the Ely S. Parker Award is the highest professional honor that AISES confers and is awarded to individuals like Dr. Walker Robbins whose life’s work embodies advancement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields and creates opportunities for others in the Indigenous STEM community through education, mentorship, and leadership.

Recipients of this prestigious award follow the example of Ely S. Parker, a 19th-century Seneca Nation chief who broke multiple racial barriers while establishing a legacy that inspires others to take action in their communities. Dr. Walker Robbins, a two-spirit person of Mohawk descent, has broken many barriers of her own and is a role model for all people involved in STEM. Her 28 years of experience in higher education, service to Indigenous communities, understanding of alternative knowledge systems, and impact on all who work side by side with her make her a most deserving recipient of this singular honor. 

“Wren and I have been long time friends. She is a wonderful individual whose service to Indigenous communities is admirable. She is enthusiastic about creating significant improvements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI+) for people of color in academic and professional fields,” says Michael Laverdure, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and chair of the AISES Board of Directors. “Steady and calm, Dr. Walker Robbins is reducing barriers in STEM one student and one project at a time. Her resolve and strong connection with people are foundational to her leadership and her many achievements.”

“For me, this award speaks to the important work the AISES membership and staff do day in and day out to advance the inspirations of Native peoples in STEM fields and not just some, but all of us who dream to achieve our goals. AISES is a community of Elders, mentors, and leaders who light a fire to guide us on our journey. It is an honor to call myself a member of this community,” says Dr. Wren Walker Robbins.

Dr. Walker Robbins, a lifetime AISES Sequoyah Fellow, is on the PRISM National Advisory Board of Teach for America, which oversees the strategy and direction of the organization’s LGBTQ+ programs. Since 2018, Dr. Walker Robbins has served as secretary of the Flathead Reservation Tribal Education Council, which advises the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Council.

From 2010 to 2016, Dr. Walker Robbins was the president of the North Star AISES Alliance and Professional Chapter. She has devoted most of her career to innovative teaching of STEM courses and has been especially focused on the success of underrepresented students. She has taught at several institutions of higher learning around the country, including two tribal colleges – Turtle Mountain Community College and Salish Kootenai College, where she is currently chair of the Department of Secondary Education. 

Her many other achievements include the development of the Integrative Indigenous Education program, a master’s degree program at Salish Kootenai College that encourages the inclusion of Indigenous languages and cultures. This key program offers graduate-level coursework to Indigenous people across Montana. 

In addition to AISES, Dr. Walker Robbins is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the National Indian Education Association.

“Dr. Walker Robbins is an impressive person who exhibits confidence. She is a positive influence on everyone she meets and is a standout with AISES students, who seek out her wisdom at AISES gatherings,” says Sarah EchoHawk, AISES Chief Executive Officer. “Dr. Walker Robbins is an incredible partner with AISES. She has shown remarkable leadership, spurs ambition in others, and enhances advocacy for Indigenous people in STEM. This award recognizes her years of generous dedication and her professional and personal achievements. Congratulations, Wren!” 

Dr. Walker Robbins received a BS at the University of Montana in 1987 and a MS and PhD in cell and tissue biology at the University of New Mexico in 1995. 

As the 2022 Ely S. Parker awardee, Dr. Walker Robbins will be honored at the AISES National Conference Closing Banquet on Saturday, October 8, in Palm Springs, Calif.

About AISES — Advancing Indigenous People in STEM 
For 45 years, AISES has focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in critically needed STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) disciplines. This robust nonprofit currently supports individual student and professional members across the U.S. and Canada through chartered college and university chapters, professional chapters, tribal chapters, and affiliated PK-12 schools. Members benefit from diverse STEM-focused programming that supports careers and promotes student success and workforce development in multiple crucial areas. To learn more visit aises.org. 

About Salish Kootenai College
The mission of Salish Kootenai College is to provide quality post-secondary educational opportunities and support for Native Americans, locally and from throughout the United States, to achieve their academic and career goals. The College will perpetuate the cultures of the Selis, Ksanka, and Qlispe’ peoples. The College will impact its community through service and research.

View Prior Awardees