NDSU News
NATURE University Summer Camp galvanizes student STEM interest

In an activity-packed two-week program, 13 students from three tribal colleges immersed themselves in hands-on science at this year’s NATURE University Summer Camp.
Designed for North Dakota TCU students with an interest in STEM, the camp paired participating students from Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Sitting Bull College and Turtle Mountain College with researchers from NDSU and UND. The students had the option of working alone or in small groups. As camp participants worked on engaging research projects, they also got to experience life on R1 campuses.
“This year’s research topics were the most diverse offerings we have had at NATURE summer camp in several years,” said Associate Coordinator of NATURE University Summer Camp Giancarlo López-Martínez. “The topics ranged from the chemistry of pollen and cloning proteins for disease treatment to the effects of walking on the moon on the human body and forensic identification. I feel really lucky to have so many amazing colleagues willing to participate in our program.”
On the last day of camp, each student or group presented their research findings during the camp’s closing ceremony.
Presenting their research
TMC students Jody and Noah DeLong tackled “Recombinant Expressions of Cloned Proteins” with NDSU’s Stefan Vetter. Noah said he chose the project because “Natives are known to get diabetes” and the methods they learned are used in diabetes research.
SBC duo Tice Seewalker and Nehemiah Thunder Hawk Drake presented on “Understanding Additive Manufacturing Processes” under the mentorship of UND’s Surojit Gupta. Their research provided insights into the future of manufacturing with methods also known as 3D printing.
TMC students Isaiah Bruce and Aaliyah Selburg, with the guidance of UND’s Jeremiah Neubert, worked on a project they titled “Drones, Data, and Detours: Exploring the Unscripted Side of Research.” Isaiah said they could have spent a lot more time with the unmanned aerial vehicle they built and programmed: “We could have worked on this for eight weeks, ten weeks and still had just as much fun stuff to show for it.”
Aaliyah added that she and Isaiah would have a breakthrough with their drone that was often shortly followed by a crash. “We were so excited that we succeeded and then something new would happen. But that’s okay. We learned a lot.”
NHSC students Keanu Begay, Jacob Sletten, and Zoey Young Bear presented “GC-MS and the Pollen Project,” which they worked on under UND’s Alena Kubatova. Jacob noted, “Pollen is everywhere. It affects a lot of things in our environment, including us. I was very astonished by this project.” Keanu agreed that pollen is a fascinating and often overlooked subject. Zoey said that her emerging interest in chemistry was the reason she chose this project.
“I’m a hands-on person,” she said, and being able to do laboratory research helped her confirm that she wants to learn more about chemistry in the future.
One of the most culturally resonant projects came from SBC’s Xiomara Cottonwood, who, under the guidance of UND’s Igor Ovtchinnikov, led a study titled “Forensic Examination of Feral Horses and American Bison Hair Samples.” Xiomara emphasized her personal connection to the research: “The reason why I chose this project is because bison is really important to a lot of tribes and not only that, but I thought it was really cool.”
SBC student Luis Miner explored the complexities of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus under UND’s Masfique Mehedi. “I chose this lab because I’m actually very interested in biomedical science. I strive to make a career in this,” Miner explained.
TMC students Craig Bruce and Alexis Poitra presented the project “Our Experience in Lunar Walking,” which they worked on under the mentorship of UND’s Jesse Rhoades. Craig and Alexis studied the impact that lunar gravity has on the different types of footwear that astronauts wear. Their research included getting to experience a simulated moonwalk at UND’s BiPed Laboratory.
In addition to the science they learned, both students appreciated being able to see a different side of college. Alexis said, “at TMC we don’t get to really experience that university campus life. We just really enjoyed it because it was so different from what we’re used to back home.” Craig agreed, stating, “I’m glad I had this experience, because if or when I further my education to something more, I definitely will be more exposed and understanding [of university life].”
The value of NATURE University Summer Camp
“Activities like this camp are vital to our STEM and research ecosystems in North Dakota, fostering relationships between institutions and inspiring future innovators and scientists,” said ND EPSCoR Director of Tribal Partnerships and camp organizer Sheridan McNeil. “Students access top technology and learn about groundbreaking research here in ND, thanks to these partnerships. It is heartwarming and encouraging to work with so many people committed to providing students with an excellent and meaningful experience that can truly shape their futures. I’m grateful for our teams at NDSU and UND, faculty, mentors, TCU NATURE coordinators and especially the students. This is a wonderful opportunity for them, but it’s also a lot of work! Their hard work was evident in their impressive presentations at the closing ceremony. Thank you to everyone who made this happen! Wopida Tanka! Mitakuye Owasin (In great appreciation, all my relations).”
Beyond scientific and research training, NATURE University Summer Camp built a bridge for participants between the worlds of tribal colleges and major research institutions. Students left not only with new research skills and scientific insights but also with new connections to the broader North Dakota academic community. As these students return to their communities, ND EPSCoR hopes the lessons they take home with them — from methods of scientific experimentation to living campus life — will continue to inspire their academic journeys.