10/23/2026
Two Osage Nation college students, Hayden Hamilton and Anthony Bartuch, earned the opportunity to attend the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in Portland, Oregon, after participating in an essay contest hosted by the Osage Nation Education Department (ONED). The annual AISES National Conference is a three-day event focused on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through its STEAM program, ONED incorporates art alongside these subjects to encourage student learning, creativity, and interest in these important fields.
To qualify for the opportunity, students submitted essays responding to the question: How will artificial intelligence (AI) transform daily life, work, and education, and what ethical responsibilities do designers have to the Osage Nation? Hamilton is from Piedmont, Oklahoma, and studies occupational and environmental health at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Bartuch is from San Antonio, Texas, and studies cybersecurity at Marymount University.
During the AISES National Conference, held October 14–17, the students networked with STEM professionals at the college and career fair, participated in talking circles, and attended a variety of workshops. Bartuch also participated in a collaborative Hackathon, where students worked on software projects, developed technical skills, and connected with industry professionals. His team earned second place in the competition.
Anthony Bartuch presented a research project focused on strengthening municipal water infrastructure through cybersecurity risk management. During the conference, he received the prestigious Sequoyah Award in recognition of his potential and achievements in STEM. Bartuch’s award included a medal, sponsorship opportunity, lifetime membership in AISES, and a chance to mentor younger Indigenous students pursuing careers in STEM.
The opportunity for Hamilton and Bartuch to attend the AISES National Conference was made possible through the Osage Nation Education Department’s STEAM program, which integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through educational activities and resources. Additional funding is provided by the Marathon Petroleum Foundation Grant.
