Crownpoint, NM - On August 27, the Biology program at Navajo Technical University held a welcome back symposium for students, faculty, and staff at the Hospitality Center. Dr. Palmer Mesumbe Netongo (Assistant Professor of Biology) and Dr. Irene Ane Anyangwe (Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the School of Science), presented on the history of the biology program and the various student centered research projects in Navajo communities. The event was opened by the Provost, Dr. Colleen Bowman and highlighted by keynote speaker NTU Biology Alumn Robinson Tom (NTU Biology 2019). Through teleconference Mr. Tom shared research experiences as a Harvard graduate student.

“We are using every opportunity as a means to recruit more students into the Biology program,” explained Biology professor Dr. Irene Anyangwe about the program's goals. “This is a great program and will prepare students who earn a baccalaureate degree in biology to have options such as pursuing graduate/medical schools or join the workforce”

The student club BiCEPS (Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Physics) mentor Breanna Thompson also shared information about their community outreach and STEM education awareness projects in the community. The club plans to be active during the semester to promote the program to K-12 students. The event was held to bring together the University community to provide information about the program and showcase student research and community outreach. Professional development

The university constructed its science laboratory at the main campus in 2018 with the Chinle Instructional Site also making their laboratory available to their students. To learn more about the biology or science programs at NTU, contact Dr. Iren Anyanwe at [email protected].