CAS CONNECT 2013

19 the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. Stillwater’s student chapter is one of 40 in the United States and the only college chapter in Oklahoma. “We want to give our minor- ity students an opportunity to excel,” John says. “SSNAP provides opportunities for our student to participate in training sessions focused on academic success and profes- sional development.” In fall 2012, the soci- ety awarded OSU $40,000 and is committed to fund- ing the program for two more years. The society uses funds obtained from the National Institutes of Health to support SSNAP. This summer, John and two students — Lindsey Burger and Amber Anderson — worked on his research project at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) on Long Island in New York. Both students are incoming seniors. Burger is a zoology major and a member of the Otoe Missouria tribe. Anderson, a Cherokee, is a biochemistry major. “I study an enzyme found in bacteria that is found in the human intestine,” John says. “The enzyme breaks down different dyes found in consumer products, the color you see in food, clothes and other things.” The common colorants are called azo dyes. He explains that some azo dyes could become toxic when broken down. A variety of azo dyes are used throughout the world. If they’re accidentally consumed through food or water contamination, some of these dyes can cause cancer. “We’re interested in how the enzyme works,” John says. “I’ve been studying them for the past 15 years. BNL, they’re experts. The structural biology department at BNL can help determine the struc- ture of the enzyme through a technique called crystalliza- tion. When we know its struc- ture, it allows us to do a lot to understand its function.” This summer, John’s students learned the science that goes into the process. “It gives them an indication of what scientific research is all about,” says John. A ques- tion about whether his 15-year quest would scare most students away from a life in the sciences makes him laugh. “It takes time and a special individual to dedicate their life to cure a disease. And, it may take my lifetime. My 15 years is very small compared to what some scientists have dedicated in their careers.” The SSNAP funding also allows John to attend the SACNAS national confer- ence. This year’s conference is in San Antonio in October. More than 3,000 professional scientists of predominately Hispanic/Chicano and Native American origin are expected to attend. Because the confer- ence is within driving distance of Stillwater, John says he plans to take all 22 students in the OSU program to the conference. “We hope to make a major impact,” John says. By impact, John means participating in competitions that include peer-reviewed poster presentations, where students are eligible for cash awards up to $500. However, the conference offers more than cash awards. “Our students meet with top-notch minority scien- tists who are dedicated to helping them,” John says. “It is a low-key environment where Hispanic and Native American students can feel comfortable.” John hopes his mentor- ing and this program will draw more Native Americans into science fields. He offers concrete suggestions for parents who want to encour- age their children toward science and math careers. “First, encourage them to do well in school,” says John, thinking back to his own parents. “Encourage them to go as far with their education as they can.” He says it is important to spend time talking with kids about the importance of education. “You also need to do things with your kids, not just tell them not to play video games,” John continues. “And, if you’re not that comfortable with math or science, find them a mentor who can help them. That is the missing link,” he adds. “There are opportunities out there, but students are lost without mentoring. We have to be able to share that information.” John also has advice for those students who want to be considered for next summer’s hands-on internship. “You have to have the grades, a desire to learn, the ability to follow directions,” says John, who also relies on advice from other faculty members. “Of course, my students have an advan- tage because I know a lot about them: their character- istics and character, interests, whether the program would benefit them.” Interestingly, John’s own children aren’t in scientific fields. His oldest daughter, 26, is completing a master’s degree in political science, and his youngest, 22, is earning a doctorate in education. “I consider that a testament to my letting them become what they wanted to be,” he says.