Steven Just: Class of 2020

Student Steven Just was elected as the Junior National Student Representative for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).

“Early in my undergraduate career, I discovered my passion for working to increase the number of American Indians in higher education, STEM fields, and health-related professions,” said Just, who is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe and Chapter President of the University of Minnesota, Duluth AISES.

“My new position as national student representative of AISES allows me to expand my reach and continue this work. Within my two-year term, one goal of mine is to increase AISES sponsorship from the pharmaceutical industry, which would ideally provide scholarships, internships, and other career opportunities for American Indian students involved with AISES.”

One of his letters of recommendations stated, “Mr. Just’s strong work ethic and academic interests demonstrate his abilities as leader, community advocate, collaborator, quick decision-maker and as an individual who is passionate about American Indian education issues and biological sciences. His demonstration for the success of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students in STEM was seen when he helped the University of Minnesota, Morris AISES Chapter be recognized for Chapter of the Year and Recruitment & Retention Awards in 2012. Steven has worked closely with many organizations that have specifically served AI/AN and underrepresented populations. He has the tenacity, ingenuity and creativity to change, not only AI/AN lives, but also his Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe.”