What does he do?

Aaron Yazzie currently works as Planetary Sample Acquisition and Handling Specialist at the NASA JPL. He has worked on the InSight, Curiosity and Perseverance Mars missions, designing mechanical systems to allow for samples of martian rock and soil to be collected, analyzed and stored. Yazzie worked on the pressure sensors for the InSight lander, and is the lead mechanical engineer for the Perseverance Rover's drill (he helped design and will control the drill bits and robotic arm used to collect and store samples)

Yazzie is also heavily involved with NASA recruitment, working to increase indigenous representation in NASA's workforce. Yazzie also does public speaking events and engages with STEM outreach activities, especially for indigenous youth.

The Curiosity (Left), InSight (Center) and Perseverance (Left) Mars missions

Why is it important?

Through his work with NASA, Yazzie has been able to increase indigenous representation in STEM, from increasing NASA's recruitment of indigenous scientists and engineers to bringing STEM outreach programs to indigenous youth. Yazzie is also a lifelong member of the AISES, which provides scholarships and support to indigenous students wishing to pursue further education in STEM fields. This is helping indigenous youth to have better opportunities when it comes to education and career choices, which helps reduce the systemic inequality that persists between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples throughout the world due to colonial practices.

Furthermore, Yazzie is able to bring a unique perspective to both his work at NASA and his community. Yazzie has said that the surface of Mars reminds him of his home in Arizona, the land with which the Navajo nation have a deep understanding of and longstanding relationship with. Yazzie is also able to share his personal experiences and what he has learned working at NASA with his community. this information and firsthand experience can help inspire and support more indigenous students to seek higher education.

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