Computer Science Scholars Give Back to Tribal Nations

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The University of Oklahoma announced nine recipients of the Computer Science Indigenous Community of Learners United to Develop, Excel and Succeed  (CS INCLUDES) scholarship. The program is focused on students majoring in computer science at OU. Funded by a nearly $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the project will support at least 24 full-time scholars with demonstrated financial need and a commitment to giving back to Tribal Nations. 

Now each in their first semester at OU, the 2022 scholars are:

  • Jacob Amberg, of Owasso, Oklahoma
  • Jax Breedlove-Donlon, of Norman, Oklahoma
  • Ava Feierabend, of Norman, Oklahoma
  • Richard Luevano, of Idabel, Oklahoma
  • Jesse Newby, of Owasso, Oklahoma
  • Barrett Ray, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma
  • Shiloh Sells, of Owasso, Oklahma
  • Jacob Tedder, of Antlers, Oklahoma
  • Keith Thompson, of Moore, Oklahoma 

The scholarship will provide up to $10,000 per year for up to four years. Additionally, CS INCLUDES provides mentorship support from Indigenous and computer science faculty members, academic and personal support, and opportunities to perform service learning or research in the community with Tribal Nations.

"First and foremost, we are committed to serving students at the University of Oklahoma. These scholars will have the opportunity to develop computer science expertise along with the skills they will need to leverage that expertise to help meet technology workforce needs of Tribal Nations," said Deborah Trytten, a computer science professor who is leading the project.

The project is supported by two advisory boards. The Advisors for Indigenous Community Engagement board consists of community members and professionals who support Indigenous education across Oklahoma. The Student Success Advisory Board consists of OU faculty and staff with expertise in many aspects of student support. 

Along with Trytten, the interdisciplinary team represents three colleges on OU’s campus – the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, Gallogly College of Engineering and Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education.

The team includes: 

  • Casey Haskins (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma), math instructor for the Engineering Pathways program
  • Dean Hougen, interim director and associate professor in the School of Computer Science
  • Deborah Moore-Russo, mathematics professor and first-year mathematics director in the David and Judi Proctor Department of Mathematics
  • Randa Shehab, senior associate dean for the Gallogly College of Engineering
  • Natalie Youngbull (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma), assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Heather Shotton (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes), former chair and associate professor of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, is a founding team member.

The NSF grant addresses the need to expand the STEM workforce in Oklahoma, especially those with computational expertise. “By partnering with Native communities for research, internships and service-learning opportunities, we are expanding the impact that OU students can make across the state,” Trytten said.

By Lorene A. Roberson, OU Gallogly College of Engineering


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