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 Fall 2023 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.
Fall 2023 Seminar Series
Thank you Dr. Joseph Hoover!
September 12, 2023 @ 12:00-1:00 PDT
Addressing water data gaps through community-engaged projects
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
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
Dr. Vincent Whipple
December 5, 2023 @ 12:00-1:00 MST
Culture, Education, and Water Sovereignty in Southern California Tribal Communities
Thank you, Dr. Andrea Carter
February 1, 2023
"Rooted in the Desert – Farming and Seed Saving in Arid Lands"
Dr. Andrea Carter (Powhatan Renape)
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thank you, Dr. Nonabah Lane
December 2, 2020
"Navajo Ethno-Agriculture and Community Empowerment"
Dr. Nonabah Lane (Navajo) | Navajo Ethno-Agriculture
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
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
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
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
Thank you, Dr. Martín Ahumada
May 6, 2020
"My American Journey"
Dr. Martin Ahumada | President, San Carlos Apache College
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thank you, Dr. Ronson Chee
April 17, 2019
"Prioritization of Water Infrastructure Investments on the Navajo Nation"
Dr. Ronson Chee | Riley Engineering
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
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
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
Thank you, Dr. Murat Kacira
February 12, 2018
"Resource Use Efficient Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems"
Dr. Murat Kacira | Dept. Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
Thank you, Dr. Kimberly Ogden
March 12, 2018
"Algae for Treatment of Wastewater"
Dr. Kimberly Ogden | Dept. Chemical & Environmental Engineering
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
Thank you, Dr. Erin Ratcliff
May 14, 2018
"Organic Semiconductors: A Flexible Solution to Solar Energy Conversion"
Dr. Erin Ratcliff | Dept. Material Science & Engineering