Marissa Spang

Marissa Spang has a diverse work experience in various roles and sectors. Marissa has recently worked as an Indigenous Education Researcher at the American Institutes for Research since 2022. Prior to that, they served as an Instructor of Native American Studies at Montana State University-Bozeman starting in 2017.

In 2011, Marissa co-founded the Indigenous Scholars of Promise (ISP) college prep and retention program as an ISP Co-Founder & Graduate Research Fellow at HOPA MOUNTAIN INC. Marissa'sresponsibilities included providing coaching and support to Native high school and college students and their families, as well as designing and conducting evaluations of the program.

From 2020 to 2022, Marissa worked as a High School Science Teacher at Lame Deer Public Schools. Previous to that, they were the Natural Resources Administrator at the Northern Cheyenne Tribe from 2015 to 2017.

Marissa has also gained research experience. At the University of Washington, they worked as a Graduate Researcher in the ISME and LIFE Center. Marissa'srole involved providing support to teachers in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) through professional development and research briefs on STEM learning. Marissa also worked in a national Inquiry Group to improve STEM learning for students and communities. Additionally, Marissa supported local Native youth-serving organizations through research briefs on Indigenous education and analysis of achievement data.

Marissa's research experience also includes being a Graduate Researcher at Northwestern University, where they assisted in the investigation of the role of culture and epistemological orientation in young children's knowledge and reasoning about the natural world. Marissa also contributed to the design and implementation of Indigenous science days and conducted interviews with Native youth on ecological reasoning.

At the University of Washington, Marissa worked as a Graduate Researcher at the LIFE Center and as a Graduate Admissions Reader. Marissa contributed to research on the role of culture and epistemological orientation in children's knowledge and reasoning, and also reviewed undergraduate applications for admissions.

Earlier in their career, Marissa held the position of Outreach Program Coordinator at Hopa Mountain and Project Director of Promise Neighborhoods at the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation.

Overall, Marissa Spang has a strong background in education, research, and program development, with a particular focus on Indigenous education and STEM learning.

Marissa Spang's education history begins with their undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, where they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Native American Studies and Government between 2003 and 2007. Later, they pursued further education at the University of Washington and earned a Master's degree in Learning Sciences and Human Development. This academic achievement was completed in 2017 as part of their first Master of Education degree. Marissa then continued their education at the same institution, enrolling in a second Master's program in Learning Sciences and Human Development. Additionally, in July 2015, they obtained a certification in Climate-SMART Conservation from the U.S. Department of the Interior.