Exploring Narratives to Better Understand the Cultural, Spiritual, and Ethical Conflicts Experienced by Indigenous People in STEMM Pathways

• In Event: Conflicts and Contestations Over Equity in STEM: Ethics and Emotions, Politics and Possibilities

Abstract

This paper reports on findings from interviews with 30 Indigenous students and professionals in the western U.S. exploring the nature and degree of culturally-, spiritually-, and/or ethically-based conflicts experienced along their STEMM pathways. Interviews were designed to elicit rich narratives, thereby providing greater nuance, story, and clarity to the general findings from the survey. We present interview data that helps answer three research questions: (1) What ethical issues do Indigenous students and professionals in STEMM fields experience, and how do they navigate these issues?, (2) Do ethical issues impede Indigenous students from pursuing STEMM careers, and if so, how?, and (3) Do ethical issues impact the retention and promotion of Indigenous STEMM professionals in their careers, and if so, how?

Authors

• Angelina E. Castagno, Northern Arizona University

• Jani Ingram, Northern Arizona University

• Erik Martinez, Northern Arizona University