Indige-FEWSS Native Voices in STEM

This professional seminar series invites Native scientists, engineers, activists, community members and leaders to share their personal and professional journeys, providing inspiration to the next generation of change makers. 

Join us in Spring 2024 for the speaker series co-sponsored by the  Indigenous Resilience Center, the UArizona-Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership, the Water Resources Research Center, the Native FEWS Alliance, and the Office of Societal Impact. 

Watch the recordings on our Library page. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

For more information or questions, contact RII-IRC@arizona.edu or Cara Duncan Shopa at caraduncan@arizona.edu.

Spring 2024 Seminar Series

 

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Mike

Thank you Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson

February 6, 2024 @ 12:00-1:00 MST

Indigenous Ingenuity: A Path Forward

seminar library


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Deniss

Thank you Dr. Deniss Martinez!

March 12, 2024 @ 12:00-1:00 PDT

Place Based Learning and Cultural Fire Practice in California 

seminar library


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Demetra

Dr. Demetra Skaltsas

April 2, 2024 @ 12:00-1:00 MST

[Presentation title: TBD]

register here


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Don

Dr. Don Hankins

May 7, 2024 @ 12:00-1:00 MST

Eleltek Waali (I'm Reading Country)

register here


Fall 2023 Seminar Series

 

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Dr. Joseph Hoover portrait

Thank you Dr. Joseph Hoover!

September 12, 2023 @ 12:00-1:00 PDT

Addressing water data gaps through community-engaged projects

watch the recording 


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Valerisa Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Valerisa Joe-Gaddy!

October 3, 2023 @ 12:00-1:00 PDT

Merging western science and traditional knowledge of produce safety within Arizona’s Tribal lands

watch the recording 


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Lydia Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Lydia Jennings!

November 7, 2023 @ 12:00-1:00 MST

From Metal Mining to Data Mining: How Indigenous Data Governance Supports Indigenous Sovereignty within an Open Science Ecosystem

In lieu of a seminar recording we are pleased to share these resources from Dr. Jennings’ presentation.

seminar library


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Vincent Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Vincent Whipple!

December 5, 2023 @ 12:00-1:00 MST

Culture, Education, and Water Sovereignty in Southern California Tribal Communities

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Andrea Carter headshot

Thank you, Dr. Andrea Carter 

February 1, 2023 

"Rooted in the Desert – Farming and Seed Saving in Arid Lands"

Dr. Andrea Carter (Powhatan Renape)

Watch the Recording from Our Library

 

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Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills 

March 1, 2023 

"Food Sovereignty for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara People"

Dr. Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills (Hidatsa, Mandan, Nakota, and Dakota)

Watch the recording from our library

 

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Staci Emm & Reggie Premo headshots

Thank you, Reginald Premo & Staci Emm

April 5, 2023

"Tribal Hoop House Project in northern NV"

"Extension Programs at UN Reno"

Reginald Premo (Shoshone-Paiute) & Staci Emm (Yerington Paiute)

Watch the recording from our library

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Jaymus and Chantel headshots

Thank you, Chantel Harrison & Jaymus Lee

May 3, 2023

"Indigeponics: Indigenizing Controlled Environment Agriculture" 

"Off-Grid CEA Greenhouse for Food Production: A Collaborative Pilot Project between Diné College and the University of Arizona"

Chantel Harrison (Diné) & Jaymus Lee (Diné)

Watch the recording from our library

 

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Ryan Emanuel headshot

Thank you, Dr. Ryan Emanuel

August 31, 2022

"Environmental Justice and Indigenous Rights in Eastern North Carolina"

Dr. Ryan Emanuel (Lumbee) | Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University

WATCH THE RECORDING FROM OUR LIBRARY

 

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Lani Tsinnajinnie headshot

Thank you, Dr. Lani Tsinnajinnie

September 28, 2022

"Collaborative Hydrology Research with the Navajo Nation"

Dr. Lani Tsinnajinnie (Diné) | Assistant Professor, Community and Regional Planning, University of New Mexico

Watch the Recording from Our Library 

 

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Melissa Clutter headshot

Thank you, Dr. Melissa Clutter 

October 26, 2022

"Groundwater to Snow Science: My Research and Teaching Path to Becoming a 'Jack(lyn)- Of-All-Trades'"

Dr. Melissa Clutter (Cherokee) | Assistant Professor, Geosciences Department, Fort Lewis College

Watch the recording from our library

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Photo of Dr. Kato Dee

Thank you, Dr. Kato Dee

November 30, 2022

“An Indigenous Hydrogeochemists Career Trajectory through Academia and Industry”

Dr. Kato Dee (Diné) | Assistant Professor, School of Geosciences, University of Oklahoma

Watch the Recording from Our Library 

 


 

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Ranalda Tsosie headshot

Thank you, Dr. Ranalda Tsosie
January 24, 2022

"Utilizing Diné Science and Innovation to Tackle Long-Standing Water Challenges in Diné Communities"
Dr. Ranalda Tsosie (Diné) | Postdoctoral Scholar, Montana State University

Watch the recording from our library

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Cherie DeVore headshot

Thank you, Dr. Cherie DeVore
February 14, 2022

"Mining and Wildfire Driven Changes Alter Metals Mobilization: Restorative and Mechanistic Insights"

Dr. Cherie DeVore (Diné) | Postdoctoral Scholar, Earth System Science, Stanford University

Watch the recording from our library

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Otakuye Conroy-Ben headshot

Thank you, Dr. Otakuye Conroy-Ben
March 14, 2022

"Wastewater-Based Epidemiology in Tribal Communities"

Dr. Otakuye Conroy-Ben (Oglala Lakota) | Assistant Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Build Environment at Arizona State University

Watch the recording from our library

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Tommy Rock headshot

Thank you, Dr. Tommy Rock (Diné)
April 11, 2022

"Environmental Justice" 

Dr. Tommy Rock (Diné) | Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Geosciences, Higgins Laboratory at Princeton University

Watch the recording from our library

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Gregory Cajete Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Gregory Cajete

September 13, 2021

"Native STEM Education: Native Science and Natural Laws of Interdependence" 

Dr. Gregory Cajete (Tewa/Santa Clara Pueblo) | Professor, Native American Studies and Language Literacy Sociocultural Studies, University of New Mexico

Watch the recording from our library

 

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Melissa Arcand headshot


Thank you, Dr. Melissa Arcand

October 18, 2021

"Soil Science in First Nations Land Management"

Dr. Melissa Arcand (Muskeg Lake Cree) | Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan

Watch the recording from our library 

 

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Danielle Ignace Headshot


Thank you, Dr. Danielle Ignace

November 15, 2021

"Amplifying Indigenous Voices in Invasive Species and Forest Adaptation Management"

Dr. Danielle Ignace (Coeur d'Alene) | Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia

Watch the recording from our library 


Fall 2021 - ENVS Colloquium

Visit the ENVS Colloquium page for more information!

The Environmental Science Colloquium is hosted in-person for departmental students and affiliates. Please join us monthly for the Native Voices in STEAM co-sponsored seminar.

Upcoming presentations:

  • August 23: Welcome Back & Introductions (Paul Carini, PhD, University of Arizona)
  • August 30: All ENVS Graduate Meeting
  • September 6: Labor Day - no classes
  • September 13: Native Voices in STEM presents Dr. Gregory Cajete (Tewa)
  • September 20: Environmental Protection, Mitigation, Experiences, and Job Opportunities from U of A Alumnus (Barney Popkin, Tucson, Arizona
  • September 27: Introduction to Data Visualization (Devin Bayly, PhD, & Jeff Oliver, PhD, University of Arizona)
  • October 4: Effects of Drought on Soil Microbes (Sarah Evans, Michigan State University)
  • October 11: TBD (Priyanka Kushawa, PhD, University of Arizona)
  • October 18: Native Voices in STEM presents Dr. Melissa Arcand (Muskeg Lake Cree)
  • October 25: TBD (Jennifer Biddle. PhD, University of Delaware
  • November 1: Soil Microbial Responses to Moisture Using Trace Gases and Integrative Omics (Laura Meredith, PhD, University of Arizona)
  • November 8: Fire Effects on Soil Microbes (Thea Whitman, PhD, University of Wisconsin)
  • November 15: Native Voices in STEM presents Dr. Danielle Ignace (Coeur d'Alene)
  • November 22: ENVS Undergraduate Presentations
  • November 29: Drinking Water Microbiome (Ameet Pinto, PhD, Georgia Tech)
  • December 6: Native Voices in STEM presents Joshua Moore

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Emma Robbins headshot

Thank you, Dr. Emma Robbins

January 20, 2021

"DigDeep Navajo Water Project: Long Term + Relief Projects"

Dr. Emma Robbins (Diné) | Director of the Navajo Water Project, DigDeep Water

Watch the recording from our library

 

 

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Selso Villegas headshot


Thank you, Dr. Selso Villegas

February 17, 2021

"Tohono O'odham Climate Adaptation and Water Resources"

Dr. Selso Villegas (Tohono O'odham) | Executive Director of the Tohono O'odham Department of Water Resources

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Daniel Wildcat headshot

Thank you, Dr. Daniel Wildcat

March 17, 2021

"Indigenous and Interdisciplinary STEM Education"

Dr. Daniel Wildcat (Yuchi/Muscogee Nation) | Professor, Haskell Indian Nations University

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Michael Kotutwa Johnson headshot

Thank you, Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson

April 21, 2021

"Hopi Farming, Food Sovereignty and Indigenous STEM Education"

Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson (Hopi) | Research Associate, Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF)

Watch the recording from our library

 


Jeff Fehmi | Professor Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona | SNRE Seminar Series
John Cooley | Director Arizona Game and Fish Department Non-Bird Wildlife Repository | SNRE Seminar Series
Michael Kotutwa Johnson, Hopi | Native American Agriculture Fund| Native Voices in STEM
Gloria Tom, Navajo | Director, Navajo Nation Dept of Fish and Wildlife | SNRE Seminar Series
Benedict Colombi | American Indian Studies, University of Arizona | SNRE Seminar Series
Serra Hoaglund | Liaison Officer, US Fish and Wildlife Service | SNRE Seminar Series
Daniel Wildcat, Yuchi of Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma | Professor, Haskell Indian Nations University | Native Voices in STEM Series
Karletta Chief, Diné | Associate Professor and Extension Specialist | SNRE Seminar Series
Robert Mesta, Yaqui | Director, Liberty Wildlife Non-Eagle Feather Respository | SNRE Seminar Series
Emma Robbins, Navajo | DigDeep Navajo Water Project | Native Voices in Stem Series
Carrie Canon,  Kiowa | Hualapai Ethnobotanist | SNRE Seminar Series
Althea Walker, Nez Perce, Hopi, and Gila River | Tribal Climate Adaptation Science Liaison for Higher Education | SNRE Seminar Series
Kelsey John Dale | American Indian Studies, University of Arizona | SNRE Seminar Series
Selso Villegas, Tohono O'odham | Tohono O'odham Nation Water Resources | Native Voices in Stem Series
Gary Morishima, Quinault | Quinault Management Center, Quinault Indian Nation Liaison Officer | SNRE Seminar Series

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Joseph Brewer Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Joseph Brewer

September 16, 2020

"Indigenous Ecosystem Stewardship"
Dr. Joseph Brewer (Cherokee & Oglala Lakota) | University of Kansas

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Andrew Curley Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Andrew Curley

October 21, 2020

"The Cene-Scene: Rethinking Tribal Resource Governance in an Era of Climate Change"

Dr. Andrew Curley (Navajo) | University of Arizona

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Kim TallBear Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Kim TallBear

November 18, 2020

"Studying Those Who Study Us: Anthropologists, Geneticists, & Indigenous Peoples"

Dr. Kim TallBear (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate) | University of Alberta

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Nonabah Lane Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Nonabah Lane

December 2, 2020

"Navajo Ethno-Agriculture and Community Empowerment"

Dr. Nonabah Lane (Navajo) | Navajo Ethno-Agriculture

Watch the recording from our library

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Tommy Jones Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Tommy Jones

February 5, 2020

"Dr. Tommy Jones: Native Voices in STEM Seminar"

Dr. Tommy Jones (Cherokee Nation & Naknek Native Village) | Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Peter Littlehat Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Peter Littlehat

February 21, 2020, Alumni Lunch Series

"Engineering with Leadership in the Indian Health Service-SFC Program"

Dr. Peter Littlehat (Diné)| Environmental Engineer with Indian Health Services

Watch the recording from our library

 


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James Calabaza Headshot

Thank you, Mr. James Calabaza 

March 4, 2020

"Trees, Water, & People"

Mr. James Calabaza (Kewa Pueblo)| Trees Water & People National Program Coordinator

Watch the recording from our library

 


Thank you, Dr. Suzanne Singer

April 1, 2020
Dr. Suzanne Singer | Co-founder, Native Renewables


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Casey Thornbrugh Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Casey Thornbrugh

April 28, 2020, Alumni Lunch Series

"Working with Tribal Nations in Natural Resources & Climate Change"

Dr. Casey Thornbrugh (Mashpee Wampanoag) | Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Tribal Climate Science Liaison

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Martín Ahumada Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Martín Ahumada

May 6, 2020

"My American Journey"

Dr. Martin Ahumada | President, San Carlos Apache College

Watch the recording from our library

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Len Necefer Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Len Necefer

September 3, 2019

"Outdoor Industry & Food, Energy, Water Nexus"

Dr. Len Necefer (Diné) | Assistant Professor, UA American Indian Studies program and the Udall Center for Public Policy

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Otakuye Conroy-Ben Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Otakuye Conroy-Ben

October 22, 2019

"Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater"
Dr. Otakuye Conroy-Ben (Oglala Lakota) | Assistant Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Build Environment at Arizona State University

Watch the recording from our library

 


Thank you, Dr. Carrie Nuva Joseph

November 7, 2019
Dr. Carrie Nuva Joseph | Postdoctoral Scholar, UArizona Center for Indigenous and Environmental Health Research


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Perry Charley Headshot

Thank you, Perry H. Charley

November 21, 2019

"Nukescape: Uranium Impacts on Diné Lands"

Perry H. Charley (Diné) | Executive Director and Senior Scientist of Diné College, the Shiprock Campus, and the Diné Environmental Institute Research and Outreach

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Sandra Begay headshot

Thank you, Dr. Sandra Begay

January 16, 2019
"A Navajo Engineer's Perspective on Walking in Beauty on an Every-changing Path"

Dr. Sandra Begay (Navajo) | Sandia National Laboratories

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Mark Sorensen headshot

Thank you, Dr. Mark Sorensen

February 13, 2019

"Food-energy-water challenges in a solar & wind powered, off-grid school"

Dr. Mark Sorensen | STAR School

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Joan Timeche headshot

Thank you, Dr. Joan Timeche

March 13, 2019
"Conducting Business in Indian County"
Dr. Joan Timeche (Hopi) | Native Nations Institute, Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy

Watch the recording from our library

 

 


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Ronson Chee headshot

Thank you, Dr. Ronson Chee

April 17, 2019

"Prioritization of Water Infrastructure Investments on the Navajo Nation"

Dr. Ronson Chee | Riley Engineering

Watch the recording from our library

Thank you, Christopher Scott

September 12, 2018

"Nexus Thinking, Nexus Tools, Nexus Solutions: Origins and Prospects for Food-Energy-Water Systems"
Christopher Scott | Director at Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy; Professor at the School of Geography & Development, University Distinguished Scholar


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James Hopkins Headshot

Thank you, Dr. James C. Hopkins

October 10, 2018

"Indigenous Rights to Water and State Responsibility Under International Law"
Dr. James C. Hopkins (Algonquin/Metis) | Assistant Clinical Professor, Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program; Affiliated Professor of American Indian Studies & Latin American Studies

Watch the recording from our library

 


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Trent Teegerstrom headshot

Thank you, Trent Teegerstrom

November 7, 2018

"Arizona Tribal Extension: Supporting Tribal Communities and Extension in Indian Country"
Trent Teegerstrom | Associate Director for Tribal Extension Programs; Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics

Watch the recording from our library

 


Thank you, Joy Hought

December 5, 2018
Joy Hought | Executive Director, Native Seeds/SEARCH

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Murat Kacira Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Murat Kacira

February 12, 2018

"Resource Use Efficient Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems"

Dr. Murat Kacira | Dept. Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering

 

 


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Kimberly Ogden Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Kimberly Ogden

March 12, 2018

"Algae for Treatment of Wastewater"

Dr. Kimberly Ogden | Dept. Chemical & Environmental Engineering

 

 


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Chris Yazzie & Bob Arnold

Thank you, Chris Yazzie and Dr. Robert Arnold

April 9, 2018

"Uranium in Navajo Nation Ground; Waters: Finding an Affordable Solution"

Chris Yazzie & Dr. Robert Arnold | Dept. Chemical & Environmental Engineering

 

 


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Erin Ratcliff Headshot

Thank you, Dr. Erin Ratcliff

May 14, 2018

"Organic Semiconductors: A Flexible Solution to Solar Energy Conversion"

Dr. Erin Ratcliff | Dept. Material Science & Engineering