- M.S. Applied Environmental Science and Technology, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
- B.S. Biology, Fort Lewis College
Growing up in the least populated state I have always been fond of wild landscapes and the human connection to the land and place. I am member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and have joined Alaska Pacific University in 2018 and am currently serving as the Acting Director of APU’s Office of Research and Community Engagement. In addition, I also serve as adjunct faculty in the Institute of Culture and the Environment. My favorite classes to teach include the topics of Modern Indigenous Art, Climate Change, and Co-Production of Knowledge.
Over the course of my career I have spent time with Tribes in all regions of the US and most recently Alaska. It has been fascinating to learn of the similarities and very unique differences between Indigenous people. This always remind me to approach with a clear and open mind.
My interest in the Arctic is with the people of the Arctic and their interactions with the natural world. I have a passion for supporting Indigenous voices, tribal sovereignty, tribal self-determination, and co-production of knowledge, including Indigenous methodologies and Western Science using innovative community engagement methods that include mural art, traditional Indigenous culture, science and media. I love to work with communities on multi-disciplinary teams to that inspire a broader understanding. For me, the best part of being involved in community research activities is when the community voices and priorities are not only heard but supported, celebrated and preserved.
Currently funded projects include:
Co-PI, NSF NNA-CO: A Community Office to Drive Convergence in Arctic Research through Coordination, Partnership, and Capacity Build, 2021-2026
Project Director, To support efforts to revitalize Indigenous Alaskan arts. National Endowment for the Arts Award, 2020-2022
Co-PI, NSF NNA Track [2] Planning Grant: Developing Arctic Village Resilience to Future Water Cycle, River Systems, and Coastal Change, 2019-2022
Researcher: NNA Research: Change, Resilience, and Sustainability of Frozen Commons in Alaskan and Northeastern Siberian Communities (recommended for funding), 2021-2026
