Current research


My current research topics include:
  • TEK through the Yurok cultural lens
  • Core  hunting values of Yurok 
  • Wldlife survey via genetic analysis of scats on Yurok ancestral lands 

I am also serving as Principle Investigator of a research project to explore meweehl (Roosevelt elk) ecology on Yurok ancestral lands via Yurok TEK and molecular scatology.
This muenchehl (ceremonial dress) is made from meweehl hide and participates in ceremony, illustrating meweehl as both a cultural and natural resource. 

thank you!

My current work is supported by:
National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology
Yurok Tribe
Redwood National Park
American Indian Science and Engineering Society Pathway to Faculty Program
Wildlife Department 
Humboldt State University

 Completed projects

Click the button below to see the full citations for these products and deliverables.

Mount Graham red squirrel response to post-fire conditions

Here I am snowshoeing on Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona to census red squirrel midden occupancy for research at
​The University of Arizona. 

National Park Service Pathways program Report: Introduction to TEK in Wildlife Conservation

The report was the deliverable to successfully complete my Pathways internship.  I was happy to receive acknowledgement for serving 5 years with the National Park Service!  

Considerations for culturally sensitive TEK research in wildlife conservation

This article was the introductory chapter of my doctoral dissertation, that I revised and published in The Wildlife Society Bulletin in 2018.

Previous Undergraduate
​student research projects

I served as Coordinator for the Rroulou'sik Research Experience for Undergraduates 
​program (2016-2018) at Humboldt State University. 
Each of these Indigenous students' projects were completed under the program. 
​ It was such an honor to serve as program coordinator and to mentor these scholars!

Identification of elk habitat on yurok ancestral lands
​-2018-

Student: Matthew Marshall (Hupa)

Bridging genetic analysis and Yurok language to understand bobcat natural history
​-2017-

Student: Isabel Johnson (Chamoru)

hunting values
​of yurok
​-2016-

Student: Marc "Bubba" Riggins (Hupa)