Native peoples have always been innovators, observers, problem-solvers, and stewards of knowledge. Drawing on her experiences as a Blackfeet educator, mathematician, STEM researcher, NASA Space Grant leader, and Department Head of Native American Studies, Dr. Hecker explores how Indigenous knowledge and STEM are not competing ways of understanding the world but complementary ones. Through personal stories, research on Native student success in mathematics, and examples from education and community engagement, she highlights the strengths Native students bring to STEM fields and the opportunities that emerge when Indigenous perspectives are recognized as valuable contributions to scientific discovery and innovation.

Native peoples have always been innovators, observers, problem-solvers, and stewards of knowledge; Dr. Hecker will explore how Indigenous knowledge and STEM are not competing ways of understanding the world but complementary ones.

Dr. Meredith Hecker, a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation, is Associate Professor and Department Head of Native American Studies at Montana State University. She leads initiatives that advance Indigenous knowledge, student success, and community partnerships, including culturally grounded programming in American Indian Hall and international Indigenous knowledge exchange. Dr. Hecker earned her M.S and Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Montana, integrating Astrobiology, Mathematics, and Education. Prior to joining MSU, she served as Assistant and Associate Professor of Mathematics and Education at the University of Providence, later becoming Deputy Director and Co‑Director of the Montana Space Grant Consortium, and previously chaired the Mathematics Department at Blackfeet Community College in Browning. A proud MSU alumna, she holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in History and is dedicated to mentoring students in writing, research, and professional development through culturally responsive practice.