CAS CONNECT 2013

18 Gilbert John’s love of science has taken him from his home on a Navajo Reservation in Arizona to all over the United States. Along the journey, the Oklahoma State University associate professor has worked hard to share his trek with other Native Americans. Gilbert John took words of wisdom from a mentor for his career path and his service toward students The Scientific Process story by Sylvia E. King-Cohen “I didn’t fit the character- istic mold of the stereotypi- cal scientist,” John, 50, says of his circuitous route to become both professor and science mentor. “My interest in science began with my love of animals.” His original plan at Colorado State University was to be a veterinarian. “As I got closer to gradu- ation, a mentor, an immu- nologist, talked to me about science and careers other than becoming a vet. He taught me about the whole world of scientific research, teach- ing and service activities. It changed my career path.” That career change has benefited current OSU students who spend summers assisting in John’s research. He heads Science Scholars: The Native American Path, a program that guides Native American students at OSU who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineer- ing and mathematical fields. It is funded by the Society for SOCIETY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CHICANOS AND NATIVE AMERICANS IN SCIENCE / COURTESY