RCC students attend Region 7 AISES Conference at NASA Langley; two receive scholarships
Like the ‘Sweet Virginia Breeze,’ spring ushered in a special time for RCC students, faculty and staff to reconnect with peers and renew skills at the 2024 Region 7 AISES Conference.
The conference was held at NASA Langley in Hampton, Virginia this past April. AISES stands for American Indian Science and Engineering Society. The First Americans’ Pathway to STEM Success Grant at Robeson Community College sponsored the event, providing the ability for the college to have a presence at the event.
“It was a wonderful experience,” Dr. Melissa Oxendine, the FAPSS Project Director and Academic Dean of Online Learning at RCC. “Our students had an amazing opportunity in attending this conference, from networking with others to visiting Tribal grounds, it was just an overall great event and we are thankful that we were able to represent Robeson Community College.”
The event was organized by Virginia Tech’s AISES Chapter and hosted by NASA Langley.
Breakout sessions included:
- Opportunities to engage in Global Indigenous Experiences
- Resume Workshops
- Federal Jobs Tutorial
- Navigating the pathway to and through graduate school
- How to network and make the most of college
- FDA Fellowships, Internships, and Early Career Opportunities
- Designing the Classroom of the Future
“There was even an on-site job fair,” stated Lisa Hunt, the Director of Grants and FAPSS Coordinator. “Our students also had an opportunity to get a professional headshot and upcoming graduates were recognized at the conference banquet.”
Hunt says that participants also had a chance to visit the Nansemond Tribal Grounds at Mattanock Town.
“We learned more about the tribe’s collaborative efforts with local environmental groups to help preserve the Chesapeake Bay and its habitat,” Hunt said.
Joining Dr. Oxendine and Lisa Hunt from RCC was Business Instructor and AISES Advisor Loretta Allen, Mathematics Instructor and NASO Advisor Carla Deese and AISES students Connor Locklear, James Lucas, Mariah Graham, Oryan Evans and Megan Chavis.
Connor Locklear and James Lucas, both Information Technology students, received the academic scholarships from the Nansemond Tribe of Virginia. Both students walked across this stage this May at Robeson Community College, and will be headed to UNC Pembroke this fall to continue their studies.
“We are so proud of Connor and James,” Dr. Oxendine said. “And we are so excited about what the future holds for all of these students as they are all very talented and skilled, and so we know they are going to go on and do great things with their life.”
James Lucas and Conner Locklear (right to left) were among the scholarship recipients announced during the District 7 AISES conference held at NASA Langley in Virginia.
