Native American astronomer works to recruit others to the field

Indian Country Today Media Network : Possibly the only Native American astronomer in the contiguous US, Dennis Lamenti is working to recruit more Native American students into the field. Lamenti was a late comer to astronomy—he was almost 45 years old when he enrolled at San Francisco State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in physics and later gravitated toward astronomy. Now 53, he has about two years to go on his PhD at Indiana University. Hopeful of inspiring others, Lamenti is considering a career in teaching, particularly returning home to the Navajo Nation in Arizona. He believes indigenous thought is needed for a holistic approach to science and understanding the universe, writes Michelle Tirado for Indian Country Today Media Network.