Aleutian Islands, Alaska Michele Yatchmeneff, Unangax (Aleut) from Alaska’s Aleutian chain, is many things, but a stereotype is not one of them. Practicing a traditional subsistence lifestyle that is common throughout rural Alaska, Michele has a first-hand understanding of the challenges many Alaska Natives face when pursuing STEM education and careers. Luckily for Michele, her […]
Tuntutuliak, Alaska Growing up in Tuntutuliak, a village with fewer than 400 people, Cody McIntyre didn’t initially think college was going to be part of his future. Now, at age 20, he is well on his way to earning an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and has his sights set on earning a doctorate. In […]
Anchorage, Alaska For as long as she can remember, Joyell dreamed of following in her uncle’s footsteps and becoming an engineer. An Athabascan who grew up in Anchorage, Joyell was unaware of the many STEM education opportunities available to her so close to home. When she was a junior in high school, Joyell’s counselor opened […]
Bethel, Alaska Meet Charlee Korthuis, an eighth-grade student from Bethel, Alaska. Charlee considers herself a typical Alaska girl with Yup’ik roots – she loves sharing her culture with others through traditional dance, trying new things and making friends. And one day, she wants to become a geologist. “I fell in love with rocks at Girl […]
Unalakleet, Alaska Shaylyn “Yosty” Storms grew up in Unalakleet, Alaska, where she and her seven siblings lived a traditional Iñupiaq subsistence lifestyle. Passionate about protecting her family and community’s way of life, Yosty wanted to become a marine biologist. She took the first steps toward this career when she joined ANSEP in high school, and […]
Wasilla, Alaska When Katherine Sakeagak (left) first became involved with ANSEP three years ago through Middle School Academy, she was already concerned about the challenges that going to college would present. Now, even though she is only a junior in high school, she is confident and prepared for college. As a full-time student at ANSEP […]
Palmer, Alaska Brock Grant became involved with ANSEP as a Middle School Academy student. Two years later, he considers himself somewhat of a scientist. After Middle School Academy, Brock continued through the ANSEP pipeline and completed a STEM Career Exploration session that opened his eyes to the world of STEM careers. Eager to learn more, […]
Wasilla, Alaska If you sit down and have a conversation with ANSEP student Tommi Crist, you’ll be shocked to learn that she is only a rising junior in high school. You may be even more surprised to learn that while she’s a shining star today, Tommi was once behind and struggling in school. She will […]
Nome and White Mountain, Alaska Tonia Osborne has dreamed of becoming a marine biologist for as long as she can remember. However, growing up in rural Alaska, she felt that she didn’t have access to classes that challenged her academically. In 2011, Tonia became involved with ANSEP through Middle School Academy and has been engaged […]
Chefornak, Alaska Kelsy Panruk is proud of her Yup’ik heritage and dreams of becoming a civil engineer. Her goal is to improve the quality of life in her hometown of Chefornak, Alaska, and it is also a priority for her that she keep her family’s traditions alive for many years to come. With support and […]
