Emiliano McLane

Emiliano McLane, Newe, comes from the Tosawihi clan of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone and was raised on the South Fork Indian Reservation near Lee, Nevada. As a descendant of the Pomo, Wailaki, and Nomlaki tribes, he also spent time on his father’s Reservation known as Round Valley near Covelo, California. Emiliano received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science, Communication, and Leadership from the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Currently, he is a second-year graduate student pursuing his degree in Agricultural and Extension Education. As his thesis topic emphasizes intercropping regional culturally valued crops under photovoltaic panels in an agrivoltaic system, his goal is to work with Tribal Nations to increase innovative Indigenous agricultural techniques throughout Turtle Island. Emiliano is enthusiastic about working with plants and enjoys gardening. During the summer breaks, Emiliano has typically participated in research internships to increase his knowledge in different science fields and team building.

Through the Indigenous Correspondents Program, Emiliano intends to bring cultural stories to life through technology so that they may be brought into the classroom and homes of tribal youth members to pique their interest in how our cultural stories and practices resonate throughout all time. He is excited to participate in the program to gain a wealth of hands-on knowledge that he will use during his graduate program and future career.

Building a sustainable future through the integration of Indigenous knowledge and photovoltaics