Congratulations to Our 2021 Graduates!
We are beyond proud of our graduates' remarkable achievements and grateful for their many contributions in to advance the Indige-FEWSS mission. Trainees participated in research, education and outreach, worked in interdisciplinary teams and with our community partners, and pursued their passions during their training at UArizona. They are prepared to lead change in the communities they serve and will continue to make positive impacts in their respective fields.
The Graduates:
Manuelito Chief received his Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Manuelito's research focused on degradation rates for organic photovoltaics (OPV). This study gives valuable insight in predicting the performance of OPV modules under various weather conditions. Manuelito pursued his research under the advisement of Dr. Kelly Simmons-Potter. After graduation, Manuelito plans to pursue a career in electric utilities and will invest his knowledge into serving the Navajo Nation. Manuelito enjoyed his time as a trainee, saying, "The Indige-FEWSS program enhanced my graduate experience in professional development and research training." He is thankful to the faculty and his fellow trainees for the challenges and the support.
Listen to the IndigeFEWSS Graduation Celebration Interview - May 13, 2021
Interview Transcript
Adrianna Nicolay received her Master of Science degree in Water, Society, and Policy with advisor Dr. Gregg Garfin. Her research and academic interest revolve around Indigenous community-led organizing and collaboration to address community water-related needs and to secure safe and healthy water access. After graduation, Adrianna will pursue a Ph.D. in Geography at Oregon State University. She is passionate about Indigenous community-led organizing, particularly around water quality and access, and collaboration to address community needs and secure Indigenous futures. Adrianna was instrumental in creating the FEWS Mapping Project, an interactive map of locations in the Navajo Nation and Arizona where FEW technologies or resources are available.
Rebekah E. Waller received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biosystems Engineering. Her doctoral research evaluated the technical feasibility of integrating flexible, semi-transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) technologies with greenhouse systems, with the overarching goal of increasing the sustainability and accessibility of greenhouse agriculture. Her advisor is Dr. Murat Kacira, Director of the CEAC. Rebekah is a recipient of the 2021 Marshall Foundation Dissertation Fellowship and was a 2020 Carson Scholars. After the busy years of graduate school, Rebekah plans to spend time with her friends and family. She recognizes that the Indige-FEWSS program helped her gain a brighter awareness of FEW technologies in Indigenous communities. She is thankful to the Diné people for welcoming, hosting, and teaching her for the past four years.
Listen to the IndigeFEWSS Graduation Celebration Interview - May 13, 2021
Interview Transcript
