Electrical Engineering Student Earns Intel Scholarship

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JohnDavid Lancaster

An electrical engineering junior's commitment to growing opportunities for Native American scientists and engineers has earned him a scholarship from Intel to support his undergraduate studies.

JohnDavid Lancaster earned the Intel Growing the Legacy Scholarship through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.  The $5,000 scholarship supports students who are members of Native American tribes and are studying computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering or materials science.

For Lancaster, both Intel and AISES have been critical to his development.

Lancaster learned about the scholarship after interning at Intel in the summer of 2019, fulfilling a professional dream and helping him realize the connection between the company and AISES.

"Ever since I was in high school, I wanted to work for Intel," he said. "When I got the opportunity to work for them last summer, I was ecstatic and started looking at all of the different connections between AISES and Intel. I saw that Intel sponsored a scholarship through AISES and thought I should apply."

Lancaster is president of the University of Arkansas Chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and said the organization has been important throughout his college career.

"When I came into college, I was looking for ways to get connected, and when I saw AISES I was intrigued because I'm Native American," he said. "I don't have a super high percentage of Native American blood in me and when I got older, I didn't participate in as many Native American activities as I did when I was younger, but the culture has always fascinated me. So, I decided to check it out, and loved it. I especially loved AISES national conference."

He said values the organization's mission to improve diversity and inclusion in science and engineering.

"I believe that one of the most important assets that a company, organization, or university can have is diversity of thought," he said. "We don't all think the same, and that's a fantastic thing. Institutions need people that have a wide range of thoughts, experiences, and cultures in order to thrive. Organizations such as AISES help accomplish this goal by educating people about Native American cultures, and by providing opportunities for summer internships, jobs, research experiences, and volunteer opportunities."

Thomas Carter III, assistant dean for academics and student affairs, said engagement with groups like AISES is critical for students and for the College of Engineering as a whole.

"AISES, like many of our student organizations provide cultural opportunities and a sense of belonging to the university," he said. "AISES also helps students from feeling isolated, especially those who live far from the university."