Integrating Western and indigenous sciences 
in wildlife conservation

Professional background

 I am a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow in biology and a  Research Associate in the Department of Wildlife at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA.   In collaboration with Redwood National Park and the Yurok Tribe, I am conducting research on elk habitat ecology through Yurok Traditional Ecological Knowledge and elk fecal genetics.  
I have published works on the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel in Arizona, Yurok Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and culturally sensitive wildlife research. Current and upcoming manuscripts focus on a wildlife survey on Yurok ancestral lands via scat genetic analyses and the Yurok-wildlife relationship. 

Over the past 10 years, I have delivered presentations and workshops on topics such as Western and Indigenous scientific philosophies, history of the Wildlife profession in parallel with Indian Country, wildlife scat surveys, wildlife habitat monitoring, and culturally sensitive Traditional Ecological Knowledge research in wildlife conservation.
Picture
Photo credit: Kellie Brown

ABOUT ME

I am Yurok (tribal member), Karuk and Chicana.  My expertise lies in applied wildlife research that integrates Western and Indigenous sciences, with an emphasis on Traditional Ecological Knowledge.  

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Professional Activities

Pathway to faculty program

As I seek a permanent position, my work is supported by the "Lighting the Pathway to Faculty Careers for Natives in STEM" program.  This program is offered by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society to increase the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians in STEM faculty positions in universities
​across the country.  

Yurok language

Since 2017, I have been a Teacher Candidate in the Yurok Tribe Language Program's Kee Laa-yo-lue-mehl ("They will teach") program.  With the help of the program staff and fellow teacher candidates, I have  passed assessments for  Yurok levels I and II.  I am now qualified to teach at those levels.  My speaking and writing skills continue to improve as I work toward level III.   

Rroulou'sik 

I served as Coordinator for the Rroulou'sik Research Experience for Undergraduates program at Humboldt State University.  The program ran from 2016-2018.  

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