Northeastern State University grad, Miss Indian Oklahoma to share passion for STEM careers


Examiner Enterprise
Staff Reports
Tue, December 28, 2021

2021-22 Miss Indian Oklahoma Madison Whitekiller

TAHLEQUAH — Cherokee Nation citizen Madison Whitekiller’s education at Northeastern State University began as a non-STEM major despite her interest in the field.

The 2021-2022 Miss Indian Oklahoma winner said she had never met a Native American in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field before starting her education at the university.

However, with the support of mentors like Dr. Cammi Valdez, assistant professor of chemistry at NSU, Whitekiller was able to make the transition to a biochemistry major and begin laboratory research on campus.

Now, Whitekiller is hoping to use her role as Miss Indian Oklahoma to encourage young Native Americans to pursue the same field she has grown so passionate about.

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“I want to use my year as Miss Indian Oklahoma to encourage the students who have a passion for STEM to pursue it and help better our tribes in the process,” Whitekiller said.

Whitekiller graduated from NSU with her bachelor’s degree on Dec. 18 but will continue to fulfill her duties as Miss Indian Oklahoma as part of her post-graduation life by being involved in tribal communities through cultural appearances and service events.

The Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women started the Miss Indian Oklahoma pageant in 1973. Today the competition focuses not only on the beauty of the American Indian woman, but also their current issues, academics and cultural traditions. Whitekiller was crowned the latest Miss Indian Oklahoma in November.

Whitekiller, who grew up in Verdigris, attributes much of her personal growth to the community of educators and students at NSU, namely those at the Native American Support Center, Center for Tribal Studies and the chemistry department.

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After graduation, Whitekiller plans to attend medical school to become a physician and serve tribal communities.

“I want to train to become a physician and work in rural or underserved communities with a high Native American population,” Whitekiller said. “Indigenous people face incredibly high rates of health disparities, and I want to have even just a small impact on reducing these rates.”

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: NSU grad, Miss Indian Oklahoma to share passion for STEM careers