Page 14 - JSF Annual 2024 final

American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Encouraging Community, Connections, and Collaboration
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Growing up, Bridget Kimsey (Lenape/Irish) always wondered how the world worked. She recalls throwing a blue spoon across
the room as a young child to see if it would fly.
“I can see the beauty,” she admits. “But I immediately go into ‘How is that constructed?’ and ‘What does that mean?’”
Her curiosity paid off. With 30 years of experience in healthcare, particularly in oncology medicine, the Vermont-based researcher holds a master’s degree in space studies with a concentration in astronomy/physics. She is currently pursuing a PhD in artificial intelligence.
Kimsey’s love for STEM runs in the family. Her father and grandmother were scientists. As a 51-year-old Native woman in STEM, Kimsey sought a community with like-minded individuals.
While attending the annual National Institutes of Health Visit Week for Native American students in 2016, she met representatives from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).
With offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Boulder, Colorado, AISES works to increase the representation of Indigenous Peoples in STEM. The organization also offers academic, professional, and emotional support to students. JSF’s matching grant supports educational programs at AISES and the STEM & Business track at its annual conference.
Kimsey quickly got involved in AISES—participating in computer science and Google programs, the conference, and mentoring services. The business cohort helped her grow professionally, sparking ideas and refreshing her business skills, while the rematriation program connected her with other women in STEM.
“Bridget Kimsey’s dedication and expertise have elevated our STEM & Business cohort,” says Stacy Ledford, PK-12 student success program officer at AISES. “Her willingness to share insights and engage in meaningful conversations has been invaluable, and her passion for advancing Indigenous STEM is truly inspiring. We are grateful for the impact she continues to make in our community.”
Kimsey is also a solar system ambassador for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Volunteering under the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, she hosts community programs and guides local students in designing resilient AI products for space.
She says AISES helped her connect with her heritage and navigate feelings of impostor syndrome as she pursued her education.
“I don’t know what I would be doing without AISES,” says Kimsey, who is also a published author. “AISES keeps us moving forward. It’s exciting to be in my knowledge-bearing years and work with new roles coming up around me.”
She encourages Indigenous women and students in STEM to take their time in whatever they’re pursuing and stay true to themselves.
“I was able to get through because of AISES,” she says. “I was raised [to] keep tribal stuff separate— you don’t mention it to anyone. This is a new concept [of] Natives helping Natives. AISES raised that bar to say, ‘You deserve money for your time and thoughts; you’re worth it.’”