What is STEM and who gets to decide what scientific history is known?

It is widely recognized that there is a need to recruit and retain peoples from marginalized communities in the STEM fields. Many programs and support are geared toward the preparation and content knowledge of the field. However, we rarely ask ourselves why the numbers are so few to begin with. In formal education, the history of STEM is often told from a Euro-centric perspective leaving out the contributions of Indigenous, African, and other marginalized communities. This can impact one’s ability to see themselves as something outside of the traditional doctor, lawyer, or engineer. When exposure is limited it is very difficult to imagine yourself in a role you have never known. As more Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) become aware of their scientific history and contributions, this ignites a passion to pursue a career in STEM fields. This talk will focus on a personal journey to remind the space/astro/physics communities that BIPOC have had centuries of scientific knowledge. It also will include how to include this knowledge in formal university course content.