AISES has earned the highest level of recognition conferred by the leader in online information on nonprofit organizations. GuideStar, a service of Candid, granted AISES the 2020 Seal of Transparency. Upgrading the organization’s GuideStar Nonprofit Profile to the Platinum level showcases the user-friendly metrics about progress toward its mission that AISES offers members, sponsors, and donors.
The topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of aerospace was the focus of a two-part ASCENDxWebinar, billed as a space ecosystem event from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). In developing the session, which was held in July, AISES collaborated with the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers.
▸ In Remembrance
Dr. Iona Black
The AISES family is mourning the passing of Sequoyah Fellow Dr. Iona Black, who died in August. Dr. Black served AISES in many ways; she was a member of the Board of Directors for two terms and participated on the Academic Advisory, Professional Awards Selection, and Education Committees. A physical chemist whose research touched on Indigenous medicine, anticancer and antiviral compounds, and clean water, Dr. Black was also a longtime teacher. She mentored and nurtured countless students at Yale University, where she directed the Science, Technology, and Research Scholars (STARS) program, and Yale School of Medicine, where she taught in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (now the Summer Health Professions Education Program). While at Yale she was honored with the prestigious Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Advising by the National Academic Advising Association. Dr. Black most recently taught at James Madison University. She was especially invested in promoting diversity and inclusion in the sciences for underrepresented students. At AISES we will miss Dr. Black, her intelligence, and her passion.
Every AISES National Conference is memorable, and the 2020 gathering is no exception. Already planned as a hybrid, the conference became an all-virtual event when it became clear in conversations with the host state of Washington that it would be impossible to predict reopening progress. The AISES staff arranged for virtual attendees to participate in popular conference activities — including networking suites, ceremonies, sessions for all tracks, and the largest College and Career Fair in Indian Country — on a robust virtual platform that gives the AISES family a safe way to connect and learn.
Do you or a member you know have a new academic degree, promotion, or award? Newly published book or paper? Let us share the good news — just email Winds of Change editor kenglish@aises.org.