Science

Profiles of a Nation

Meet the men and women that are making advancements in the field of science.

18 Items

Abigail McNally

Meet a young woman who thinks science is "cool." And who knows her Chickasaw heritage is so important.
As an aerospace engineer at Northrop Grumman, Abigail McNally recognizes the profound possibilities in the stars.

Brandon Postoak D.O.

Emergency medicine doctor of osteopathic medicine inspired by his Chickasaw heritage
As an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Brandon Postoak hopes to inspire other First Americans to pursue careers in science and medicine.

Chris Carpenter

A spirit for success and innovation
Chickasaw citizen Chris Carpenter greatly admired his determined grandfather, a man who received his pilot’s license when he was just 16 years old.

Joe F. Moore

A computing pioneer for the petroleum industry
Mr. Moore applied his knowledge of computer modeling to the process of oil refining.

John Herrington

The first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space
Herrington has spent his life as a proud Chickasaw member serving as a U.S. Naval Aviator and an astronaut for NASA.

Dr. Jonathan Trent

Award-winning Chickasaw physician and cancer researcher
Dr. Jonathan Trent is a board-certified oncologist.

Dr. Judy Goforth Parker

A Dynamic Chickasaw Woman committed to the health of the Chickasaw Nation
Dr. Judy Goforth Parker is the Chickasaw Nation Commissioner of Health Policy.

Kayla Dewitt

As the lead therapist for The Chickasaw Nation Empowered Living Clinic, Kayla Dewitt proudly says, "I am Chickasaw."
A Chickasaw citizen continuing a family legacy of service as the lead physical therapist for the Empowered Living Clinic.

Kent Smith, Ph.D.

Dedicated to recruiting and training the next generation of Native Americans in scientists
Kent Smith founded the Native Explorers program as a way to recruit, train and educate the next generation of Native Americans in science & medicine.

Melissa Tartsah Morgan and Vicky Gold

Shining examples of the strength and determination of the Chickasaw people
Melissa Tartsah Morgan is a kidney transplant recipient and her mother, Vicky Gold, was her living donor.

Paula Vanbuskirk

Dedicated to all the health and wellbeing of the nation's youngest citizens
Chickasaw citizen and pediatric dentist Paula Vanbuskirk loves waking up every morning to help brighten the smiles of children.

Dr. Suzanne Van Cooten

A Chickasaw scientist working to bring Native Americans into the field of meteorology
Van Cooten is a highly esteemed hydrometeorologist at the National Severe Storms Lab in Norman, Oklahoma.

Dr. Teresa Shavney

Breaking down barriers as the first female surgeon in Oklahoma City
Displaying the notorious unconquerable Chickasaw spirit, Teresa Shavney is a barrier breaker in the field of medicine.

Teri Centner

A dedicated proponent for Native Americans in the sciences
Chickasaw citizen Teri Centner is using her lifelong love of science and math to help youth succeed in these advanced fields.

Tessa Stamile

Dreams to support the health of Native Americans in Oklahoma
Tessa Stamile is a woman who is proud of her Chickasaw heritage.

Dr. Tina Cooper

A strong advocate for the progress of Chickasaw citizens in the areas of health and science
Dr. Cooper currently works as the medical director of the Sovereign Family Medical Center (under the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce).

Troy Lawrence

"I don't like a problem that I can't solve. So, I feel that's a Chickasaw trait I would be able to embody ... And make a difference."
Chickasaw Troy Lawrence paves the way for advanced computer-based forensics at the Fort Worth Police. Catching criminals one digit at a time.

Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud

An unwavering commitment to serve her fellow Chickasaw people
Chickasaw citizen Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud is a high achiever, to say the very least.