Q&A with Pauly Soulia

Name: Pauly Soulia
Pronouns: he/him
Class year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
CSE student organization: American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)
Scholarships: Frederick McKinley Jones Scholarship

How did you get involved with the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)?

When I was a senior in high school my advisor encouraged me to attend the AISES National Conference, as it was in Minneapolis that year. That was the first time I was exposed to the organization, but the community and message resonated with me enough that I made sure to try and join when I started attending school here at UMN. Unfortunately, the chapter here had been inactive for a couple years. So, a group and friends and I set out to re-start the chapter and make sure it will last into the future.

Why are you involved with AISES?

On the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, and especially in the College of Science and Engineering, Indigenous students are severely under-represented. We make up less than 1% of the student body, with the Twin Cities being one of the largest Indigenous hubs in the nation. I find that low number to be pretty appalling. I hope that I can use my position as a student in order to create an environment that fosters new Indigenous STEM students.

What is the goal or mission of your student organization?

The mission of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is to substantially increase the representation of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science, and other related technology disciplines.

How can others get involved with AISES?

The best way to stay informed is to join our slack channel. Otherwise, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or visit our Gopherlink page. Our Fall Informational is Wednesday, Sept. 15th, 2021 at 6:30pm in AISCC, Memorial Union Room 274.