Integrating Western and indigenous sciences
in wildlife conservation
Integrating Western and indigenous sciences
Professional background I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University. The Yurok Tribe shared a story about my hire here: "Yurok Scientist/Scholar Accepts Truly Unique Position at Northern Arizona University." Prior to my current position, I completed a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship in biology and held a Research Associate position in the Department of Wildlife at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, CA. I currently conduct research on elk habitat ecology through a Yurok Traditional Ecological Knowledge context and elk molecular scatology. I maintain research connections with the Culver Conservation Genetics Lab at The University of Arizona and the Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit at UC Davis.
As I came into my current position, I established the Wildlife, Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Peoples (WESIP) Lab. Our new lab group conducts research in wildlife ecology, particularly through noninvasive methods and molecular ecology, and supports students in this work. We also include intentional partnerships and engagement with Indigenous communities in wildlife research and conservation. With donations to our group, we can enhance our capacity. If you would like to make a donation, visit the NAU Foundation donation webpage. Please, indicate Wildlife, Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Peoples Lab (Fund 5834). Thank you for your consideration! 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 15 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. 
In my science outreach program, I worked with elementary education, higher education, and the public. I have also taught courses such as Introductory Biology Lab, Case Studies in Environmental Ethics, and Multicultural Perspectives in Natural Resource Management.
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Photo credit: Kellie Brown
ABOUT MEI am Yurok (tribal member), Karuk and Chicana. My expertise lies in the integration of Western and Indigenous sciences in applied wildlife research. By utilizing Indigenous Research Methodologies and understanding Traditional Ecological Knowledge through an Indigenous lens, I aim to conduct culturally sensitive research with Indigenous communities.
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Available now!
I had the pleasure of collaborating with so many wonderful people to create multiple versions of this story for broader community access.
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Coming soon!
I look forward to announcing more projects here as they come to fruition.
Professional Activities
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Special issue,
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Native Peoples
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I served as a Guest Associate Editor for a special issue, "Indigenous Contributions to Molecular Ecology," in the journal Molecular Ecology Resources.
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I have been a member of the Native Peoples' Wildlife
Management Working Group of The Wildlife Society since 2007. I have served in various roles, such as the Native Student Professional Development Program Committee for the working group. |
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indigenous data sovereignty training |
Yurok language |
Seven generations INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE Center |
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I was pleased to participate in this fellowship opportunity over the '23-'24 academic year. Check out this article to learn more about the program and all 15 fellows!
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I participated in a Teacher Candidate program in the Yurok Tribe Language Program's Kee Laa-yo-lue-mehl ("They will teach"). With the help of the program staff and fellow teacher candidates, I passed assessments for Yurok levels I and II. I am now qualified to teach at those levels.
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I served on the
Founding Faculty Advisory Council for this center at Northern Arizona University. Check out this article announcing the Seven Generation Signature Initiative in the NAU Review! |