Meet our Interns
2026-2025 Summer Interns
If you are a former ITEP intern, please contact ITEP to update your information. ITEP is interested in learning about your current academic and/or career endeavors.
2025 Air Quality Summer Interns
Richelle Thomas
Greetings and Ya’at’eeh,
My name is Richelle Thomas and I am from the Diné Nation. My clans are Tangle people, Zuni Edgewater, the people who live near the waters coming together, and towering house. I’m very interested in scientific research as it relates to mitigating contamination exposures to Indigenous communities. I am hoping to utilize my skills during this internship to create positive change but also learn new approaches/techniques that I can utilize in future opportunities.
Emma Rios
Hello, my name is Emma Rios. I am a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, specifically the San Xavier district. I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Civil Engineering. I am excited for the opportunity to be working with the Choctaw Nation Air Quality Division this upcoming summer and hope to take what I learn from this internship and apply it to my studies and other opportunities that may follow!
Caydence Palmer
My name is Caydence Palmer, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona majoring in Biosystems Engineering with a minor in American Indian Studies. I’m a proud member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe with a strong commitment to sustainability, Indigenous advocacy, and community-based environmental research. My academic and career goals center on integrating engineering solutions with cultural knowledge to address issues such as food insecurity, air quality, and resource protection in Native communities. I’m passionate about creating lasting, community-driven change that uplifts and empowers Indigenous voices.
Asa Worthington
Hello! My name is Asa Worthington and I am going into my junior year at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. I am very excited to start this amazing internship and to be able to work with inspiring professionals in their respective fields. I am enrolled in the Caddo Nation along with being part Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Kiowa. A few interesting things about me, I am an avid skier who enjoys the mountains and all recreational activities pertaining to physical activity. I was just recently newly elected as the Fort Lewis ASFLC Student Body President and I am excited to take the amazing work experience and reflect on the skills and mentorship I acquired and received through this summer into my new role.
I’m incredibly proud of my native heritage—it’s shaped the way I see the world and taught me to value the land not just as a resource, but as a sacred part of who we are. That deep-rooted respect is what draws me to the outdoors, where I feel most connected to my culture and the stories passed down through generations. Whether I’m hiking, skiing, or just taking in the quiet beauty of the natural world, it always feels like coming home.
Quaye Agoyo
My name is Quaye Agoyo. I am a member of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and lived in Santa Fe, NM for much of my childhood before moving to Philadelphia, PA. I’m currently attending Swarthmore College where I am majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in biology and playing on the basketball team.
In school, I enjoy learning about sustainability, environmental science, and Native American communities. I am excited to work with the Climate & Wildfire Institute this summer and learn more about wildfire resilience and traditional Indigenous land stewardship practices!
Cassie Grotelueschen
Hello! My name is Cassie Grotelueschen and I am a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. I recently graduated from Kalamazoo College with a major in Biology and a concentration in Environmental Science, and I am interested in ecology research, especially work related to conservation. I am excited to work at the Euchee Butterfly Farm this summer doing research regarding air quality, pollinators, and native plant restoration.
Rebecca Zewdie
Greetings! My name is Rebecca, and I am from Oklahoma. I am an undergraduate student at American University in Washington, D.C., pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a minor in International Studies. I am passionate about environmental health and justice, which is why I am looking forward to my role as an Air Quality Intern for the Caddo Nation. In the future, I hope to work in the fields of environmental health and sustainable food systems. I am excited to learn, grow, and collaborate with the team to help protect air quality health in the Caddo Nation.
Mariah Williams
Yá’át’ééh! Shí éí Mariah Williams yinishyé. Naneeshtʼézhí Tábąąhí nishłį́, Tłʼízí Łání ʼéí bá shíshchíín, aádóó Kinyaaʼáanii ʼéí dashicheii nááná ʼÁshįįhí dashinálí. Toʼałchíní dę́ę́ʼ naashá. Hi, my name is Mariah Williams. I reside in the Dilkon and Castle Butte areas on the Navajo Nation. I am of the Zuni Edge Water Clan, born to the Many Goats Clan, with my maternal grandparents from the Towering House Clan and paternal grandparents from the Salt People Clan. I am an undergraduate student at Northern Arizona University (NAU), majoring in Forestry with a minor in Tribal Public Administration, focusing on blending Indigenous knowledge and environmental science. As a Natural Resources major, I want to contribute to creating a sustainable Earth. As an Indigenous woman, I feel a strong responsibility to live in harmony with my environment, respecting sacred laws, and giving back to both my community and the land that sustains us.
2025 Water Resources and Land Management Summer Interns
Tynya Kee
Yá’át’ééh shí éí Tynya Taylor Kee yinishyé. Tódík’ǫ́ zhí nishłį,́ Tł’ízí Łání bashishchiin, Naakai dashicheii, dóó Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii dashinalí. Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį.́ Old Cedar déé’ naashá. Shimá dóó shizhé’é éí Tanya Begaye dóó Tyrone Kee wolyé. My name is Tynya Kee. I am of the Salt Water clan (mother’s clan), born for the Many Goats clan (father’s clan), my maternal grandfather’s clan is the Mexican clan, and my paternal grandfather’s clan is the Coyote Pass clan. In this way, I am a Navajo woman. I am from Old Cedar in Pinon, AZ, located on the Navajo Reservation.
I am a student at Northern Arizona University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Forestry with a certification in forest resilience and adaptation. I love to learn about Indigenous permaculture and agro-forestry and how they can help Tribal families reclaim food sovereignty as well as adapt to the changing climate. Ahéhee’!
Mariessa Fowler
Yá’át’ééh, shí éí Mariessa Fowler yinishyé, Naashashi nishłį́, Dzaanééz Łáni Tł’ááshchí’í bashishchiin, Yé’ii diné Táchii’nii dashicheii, dóó Naadáá’ Łigáí Naasht’ézhi dashinalí. A’koteego Asdzaani nishłí dóó Beeshhageedéé’ naashá. Hello my name is Mariessa Fowler and I am born to the Tewa Bears Enemy Clan. I am born for the Red Cheek Manymules People, my maternal grandfather’s are of the Giant Red Running into Water People, and my paternal grandfather’s are of the White Corn Zuni people. My pronouns are she/her and I come from the Coppermine community. I am of the Diné, Tewa Pueblo, and Zuni people.
I will be completing my bachelors degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Policy and Administration at Northern Arizona University. I am dedicated to serving Indigenous communities with an intersectional lens of policy, environmental justice, social understanding, conservation, and water justice. I hope to bridge cultural knowledge and understanding with western methods of governance, development, and research.
I hope to expand my knowledge on forestry, conservation, and community engagement through the Ecological Restoration Institute. Ahéhee’ nitsaago!
Kuwanmana Masayumptewa
Nu Kuwanmana Masayumptewa yun matsiwa. Nu Alwungwa. Nu Walpek kiita. Hello! My name is Kuwanmana Masayumptewa, and I am a member of the Hopi Tribe. I come from the village of Walpi and am of the Alwungwa (deer) clan. I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan majoring in Earth & Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Sciences. In addition, I am also planning to minor in political science. I enjoy going on outdoor adventures and love to spend time with my family and friends. This summer I will be participating in an internship with the Hopi Tribe’s Department of Natural Resources. In my time there I will aid the departments in the numerous programs located within the department, including cultural preservation, water resources, and land management. I will work both on and off the field, as well as conduct research relevant to the department’s needs. In the future, I would like to pursue a career as a tribal lawyer with a focus on natural and cultural resource protection. I am super excited to be working with the Hopi Tribe this summer and hope to learn more about their operations while giving back to my community!
Ashlee Austin
Hello, my name is Ashlee Austin I am a Diné woman from LeChee, Arizona. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in biology at Northern Arizona University. In the future, I hope to use my education to serve my community to help address environmental issues. This summer I am excited to become familiar with Tuba City surveying non-invasive and invasive plants in the surrounding area to incorporate into a management plan.
Sadie Tsosie
Dago’tee (Hello!) My name is Sadie Tsosie. I am a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. I am also Inee (San Carlos Apache) and Díne (Navajo) from my mother’s side. I am from Los Angeles, California, specifically the South Bay. I will be entering my 4th year of undergraduate studies at UC Davis in Davis, California. I am studying Native American Studies alongside minoring in Art Studio. I look forward to working with ITEP alongside the White Mountain Apache Tribe in water resources, furthering my passion for working with Native communities
Selene Lopez
Hello! My name is Selene and I’m a first-generation Latinx student from Oxnard, California. I grew up learning about Mexican plant remedies from my grandmother, and about ecological patterns from my father who worked as a landscaper all of my life. I’ve carried these interests with me as I pursued B.S. degrees in Biology and Environmental Science & Resource Management from CSU Channel Islands. I began conducting research on Native Plants historically used by the Chumash, and this opened my eyes to the importance of protecting and restoring culturally significant resources for our tribal communities. That is why I’m excited to start this internship with NAU ITEP and the USGS to collaborate with the Torrez Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians in efforts to restore a wetland near the Salton Sea in Southern California.
Autumn Powell
Yá’át’ééh shik’éí dóó shidine’é, Shí éí Autumn Powell yinishyé, Naakai Dine’é nishłį́, Na’ahiłii bashishchiin, Tsi’naajinii dashicheii, Naahiłií dashinalí. Ákót’éégo Diné Asdzání Nishłį. Tségháhoodzání déé’ Naashá. Hello, I am Autumn Powell, born to the Mexican People (mother’s clan), born to Black/African American (father’s clan), my Cheii (maternal grandfather) is from the Black Streak Wood People, and my Nalí (paternal grandfather) is Black/African American. I’m a Diné woman from Window Rock, Arizona.
I am a PhD student in the Geography and Atmospheric Sciences program at the University of Kansas (KU), specializing in Indigenous Geography under the mentorship of Dr. Melinda Adams. In Dr. Adams’s Indigenous Environmental Science lab, I utilize decolonizing methodologies to explore critical issues of land, sovereignty, and environmental justice, conducting research that prioritizes the needs of Indigenous communities. I also receive support that I am affiliated with the Alfred E. Sloan Foundation, which selects Native scholars nationwide to be in their prestigious fellowship.
My dissertation work will focus on the Haskell Wetlands, a historically and culturally significant site in Lawrence, Kansas, that has been overlooked by local governance. Originally purchased in 1884 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to establish Haskell Institute, a boarding school designed to erase Native children’s cultural identities, the wetlands embody a dual legacy. While efforts were made to drain the land and force students into labor, the wetlands became a sanctuary where children preserved their heritage, practiced traditions, and maintained connections with family. Today, Haskell Indian Nations University stands as a testament to resilience, empowering Native students and Native accomplishments.
Tayan Benson
Hello, my name is Tayan Benson. I come from many nations, including the Tohono O’odham, Diné, and Lakota Sioux. I’m currently pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Data Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
This summer, I will be working with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), focusing on rebuilding and migrating their vegetation databases through CRUD application development. Additionally, I’ll engage in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects and various hands-on tasks aimed at environmental preservation.
Indigenous peoples have always played an essential role in protecting our lands, and I’m excited about contributing to efforts that safeguard and monitor native plant ecosystems. As technology continues to advance, my goal is to serve as an Indigenous voice, highlighting the crucial intersection of technology, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage.
2026 Academic Year Interns
Emma Rios
Hello, my name is Emma Rios and I am from the Tohono O’odham Nation from the San Xavier district. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s in environmental engineering with a minor in civil engineering at Northern Arizona University located in Flagstaff, Arizona. My internship is with the Springs Stewardship Institute to focus on surveying, maintaining and rehabilitation of springs across the southwest.
Ashley Austin
Hello, my name is Ashlee Austin. I am a Diné woman from LeChee, Arizona. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Biology at Northern Arizona University. In the future, I hope to use my education to serve my community and help address environmental issues. This semester creating a StoryMap using ArcGIS to highlight the personal narratives in The Status of Tribes and Climate Change report.
Brooke Damon
Yá’át’ééh, shí éí Brooke Damon yinishyé. Ta’neeszahnii nishłí, Tsin Sikaadnii bashishchiin, Tábááhá dashícheii, ‘Ashįįhíí dashínalí. Hello, my name is Brooke Damon born to the Tangle people clan, born for Clamp Tree clan, my is maternal grandfather is the Water Edge clan, and my paternal grandfather is the Salt people clan. I am currently a master’s student at the University of Arizona within the Environmental Science program. I have experience working with the USGS, ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Program, NAU’s Sedimentary Record of Environmental Change Lab, The Nature Conservancy, the Hopi Tribe’s Water Resources Program, and Grand Canyon National Park. I’m super excited to be working with Southwest Decision Resources this year! Ahéhee’, thank you.
Tori Fulton
Yá’át’ééh shik’èí dóó shidine’è, Shí éí Tori Fulton yinishyé, Tł’áásh’chí’í nishłį́, ‘Ashįįhíí bashishchiin, Kinyaa’áanii dashicheii, Naakai dashinalí. Hello, my name is Tori Fulton and I am born to the red bottom people (mother’s clan) and salt people (father’s clan), my Cheii (maternal grandfather) is from the towering house people, and my Nali (paternal grandfather) is mexican. I am from Tuba City, Az, the western agency. I am currently a senior undergraduate student at Diné College at the Tuba City Campus and my major is biomedical science. I am currently researching about water quality sources both regulated and non-regulated in the southwest near and on the Navajo Nation on how they are affected from weather changes, human and livestock contact, and unmaintained infrastructures at different times of the day.
Diizhonia Stanley
Yá’át’ééh, Shí éí Diizhonia Stanley yinishyé, Tó dichííníí nishłį́, Kinłichííníí bashishchiin, Kinyaa’áanii dashicheii, dóó Kinyaa’áanii dashinalí. Tó Nanees Dizi dí Dee Nashsa. Hello, I am Diizhonia Stanley from the Bitter Water clan (mother’s clan), born for the Red House People clan (father’s clan). My maternal grandfather is from the Towering House clan, and my paternal grandfather is also from the Towering House clan. I am from Tuba City, Arizona, and a proud member of the Navajo Nation. I’m currently an undergraduate student majoring in biology at Diné College. I’m passionate about environmental science and animal health sciences, and I hope to use my education to protect ecosystems and improve animal well-being. Through the Northern Arizona University Land and Water Internship, I look forward to building research skills and contributing to projects that help Native communities care for their land and water.
Sadie Tsosie
Dago’tee! (Hello!) My name is Sadie Tsosie. I am an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and also have San Carlos Apache and Díne roots. I am from Los Angeles, California, and I am currently completing my senior year at UC Davis, where I am majoring in Native American studies and minoring in Art Studio.
This past summer, I interned with the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Fort Apache, working in the Water Resource Department. During my internship, I gained valuable insights into the quality and quantity of water on the reservation, while also connecting with and exploring the community and the land. I look forward to continuing my work with the WMAT Water Resource Department in the upcoming academic year.
CJ Senn
Hello, my name is CJ Senn, and I’m currently a student at Vermont Law and Graduate School, where I’m studying to become an environmental lawyer with a focus on Indigenous rights and environmental justice. I was born in Portland, Oregon, and earned my undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Science, with a minor in Sustainability, from Portland State University’s University Honors College.
I’m an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)in Oregon, and I also have lineage from the Siletz, Klickitat, Nez Perce, Blackfoot, and Cherokee people. Right now, I’m working with The Trust for Public Land in New Mexico to help re-Indigenize tribal schoolyards and public lands, and I’m developing Indigenous-based curriculum for students that centers Native knowledge and connection to the land.
Reanna Yazzie
Yá’át’ééh shik’èí dóó shidine’è, Shí éí Reanna Yazzie yinishyé, Tó’ahaní nishłį́, Tódích’ii’nii bashishchiin, Táchii’nii dashicheii, Naakai dine’é dashinalí
Hello, I am Reanna Yazzie. I am of the Near the Water Clan (mother’s clan), born for the Bitter Water Clan (father’s clan). My maternal grandfather is of the Tobacco People Division of Red Streak Running Into the Water Clan, and my paternal grandfather is Mexican. I am from Dennehotso, Arizona, near the Four Corners area of the Navajo Nation. Although I have lived in Flagstaff, Arizona, most of my life. I am a member of the Navajo Nation and am currently completing my undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.
Mariah Williams
Yá’át’ééh! Shí éí Mariah Williams yinishyé. Naneeshtʼézhí Tábąąhí nishłį́, Tłʼízí Łání ʼéí bá shíshchíín, aádóó Kinyaaʼáanii ʼéí dashicheii nááná ʼÁshįįhí dashinálí. Toʼałchíní dę́ę́ʼ naashá. Hi, my name is Mariah Williams. I reside in the Dilkon and Castle Butte areas on the Navajo Nation. I am of the Zuni Edge Water Clan, born to the Many Goats Clan, with my maternal grandparents from the Towering House Clan and paternal grandparents from the Salt People Clan. I am an undergraduate student at Northern Arizona University (NAU), majoring in Forestry with a minor in Tribal Public Administration, focusing on blending Indigenous knowledge and environmental science. As a Natural Resources major, I want to contribute to creating a sustainable Earth. As an Indigenous woman, I feel a strong responsibility to live in harmony with my environment, respecting sacred laws, and giving back to both my community and the land that sustains us.
2026 Water Resources and Land Management Summer Interns
Laylalanai Gocobachi
Lios enchim aniavu, ket’chem allea? Inepo Laylalanai Gocobachi tea. Hello, and may Creator be with you. My name is Laylalanai Gocobachi, and I come from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson Arizona. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona studying Environmental Science with an emphasis in soil, air, and water. My work is rooted in cultural teachings and guided by intent, relationality, and cultural wisdom that stem from the gift of my ancestors’ knowledge.
Additionally, I serve as Miss Native American University of Arizona, an Earth Ambassador for the United National Indian Tribal Youth Organization (UNITY), a college representative board member for Indigi Girls, and an Indigenous Correspondent for the IlIIAITCHIK program by Planet Forward. Braiding these roles with my education from the University of Arizona, I aim to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with Western science to combat climate change and sustainably heal the damage caused to the Earth for the health of future generations.
Autumn Powell
Yá’át’ééh shik’èí dóó shidine’è, Shí éí Autumn Powell yinishyé, Naakai Dine’é nishłį́, Na’ahiłii bashishchiin, Tsi’naajinii dashicheii, Naahiłií dashinalí. Ákót’éégo Diné Asdzání Nishłį. Tségháhoodzání déé’ Naashá. Hello, I am Autumn Powell, born to the Mexican People (mother’s clan), born to Black/African American (father’s clan), my Cheii (maternal grandfather) is from the Black Streak Wood People, and my Nalí (paternal grandfather) is Black/African American. I’m a Diné woman from Window Rock, Arizona.
I am currently a PhD student and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in the Department of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Kansas (KU), specializing in Indigenous Geography under the mentorship of fire practitioner and ecologist, Dr. Melinda Adams. My dissertation will use a mixed-methods approach to analyze water quality, assess the health of the Haskell Wetlands, and evaluate the human-nature value of the Haskell Wetlands. I previously graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) with my B.S. in Environmental Sciences, and transitioned to the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC), where I graduated with my M.S in Geography and Environmental Systems (GES).
I look forward to working with NAU ITEP, and I am very excited to learn operations that benefit the Tribe and to give back to the White Mountain Apache Tribe’s Water Resources Program. A’hé’héé’ nitsaago!
Nevin Panana
Hello, I am Nevin Panana. I am Jemez Pueblo and Hopi and of the coyote clan. I am a rising senior majoring in environmental and sustainability studies at Northern Arizona University with a minor in humanities and a certificate in wildland fire ecology. I am passionate about forest conservation and restoration in the southwest and protecting homelands sacred to Indigenous peoples in the region.
Mina Khatibi
Hello! My name is Mina Khatibi. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Policy and Law with a minor in Communication at the University of Arizona. I am passionate about environmental policy and justice, which is why I am looking forward to my role as an intern for Northern Arizona University’s Ecological Restoration Institute. In the future, I hope to work in the public policy sphere with a focus on urban and environmental policy. This summer, I look forward to building my research skills and learning more about environmental policy as it pertains to Northern Arizona.
Octavia Morgan
Yá’át’ééh, shí éí Octavia Nezbah Morgan yinishyé.Ádóone’é nishłínígíí ‘éí Bit’ahnii nishłį́. Táchii’nii báshíshchíín. Naneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii dashicheii naáná Tódích’íi’nii dashinalí. Naat’áanii Nééz dóó Tsé Bii’ Nidzisgaii dę́ę́’ naashá.Naat’áanii Nééz dę́ę́’ di kééhasht’į́. Kinłánídi iinishta’dóó ’ółta’í nishłį́. Akóó’téego ‘éí ‘asdzání nishłį́.
Greetings, my name is Octavia Nezbah Morgan. I am of the within his cover clan born for red running into water. My maternal grandfather is of the Charcoal streaked of the red running into water my paternal grandparent is Bitter water. I come from Shiprock, NM, and Monument Valley, UT. I reside on the Navajo Nation in Shiprock and attend school in Flagstaff, AZ. These are my clans that represent who I am and where I come from.
I am an undergraduate student attending Northern Arizona University, majoring in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Environmental Administration & Policy. With a double minor in Navajo Language and Geographical Information Systems, with a strong interest in hydrology, ecological restoration, and environmental policy. I am interning under ITEP with the Bureau of Reclamation, UCB Native American Affairs, for the summer, working hands-on with water projects and tribal consultation across the four corners and supporting the GIS-based digitization effort.
Kayleigh Warren
Kayleigh is Tewa and Tiwa Pueblo, and a tribal member of the Pueblos of Santa Clara and Isleta. She was raised in Santa Clara Pueblo immersed in her community’s land-based lifeways. Kayleigh is an incoming graduate student at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), where she will pursue a Master’s of Science in Environmental Biology with a concentration in Indigenous Peoples and the Environment, as a member of SUNY ESF’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. Her research focuses on rare plant biology and conservation on tribal lands, focusing on tribal self-determination and traditional ecological knowledge as the foundation for community and culturally-aligned approaches to conservation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Conservation and Management with a certificate in Plant Identification and Assessment from Fort Lewis College.
Shelby DeVincent
Hi! My name is Shelby DeVincent, and I am from San Jose, California. I recently graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Protection, along with minors in Biology and Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources.
While my interests are wide-ranging, I am especially passionate about ecology, restoration, and community-based land management. This summer, I am excited to serve as an intern with the Springs Stewardship Institute, where I look forward to spending time in the field and contributing to projects focused on monitoring, surveying, and restoring spring ecosystems.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing as both a steward and student of the environment by gaining hands-on experience through seasonal ecology work and eventually pursuing further education. My long-term goal is to help reframe conservation and land management in ways that uplift Indigenous perspectives, center community partnerships, and foster more holistic relationships between people and place.
Diizhonia Stanley
Yá’át’ééh, shí éí Diizhonia Stanley yinishyé, Tó dichíí’nii nishłį́, Kinłichíí’nii bashishchiin, Kinyaa’áanii dashicheii dóó Kinyaa’áanii dashinalí. Tó Nanees Dizi dí dee nashá.
Hello, my name is Diizhonia Stanley. I am from the Bitter Water clan, born for the Red House People clan. My maternal and paternal grandfathers are both from the Towering House clan. I am from Tuba City, Arizona, and a proud member of the Navajo Nation.
I am currently an undergraduate Biology student at Diné College. I’m really passionate about environmental science and animal health, especially understanding how the land, water, animals, and our communities are all connected. I want to use what I learn to help support and protect these systems, especially within Indigenous communities.
I recently completed the Northern Arizona University Land and Water Internship through ITEP, and it was such a meaningful experience for me. I loved being part of work that directly supports Native communities, and it helped me grow both academically and personally. I’m really excited to continue working with ITEP this summer and to take on new projects, learn more, and keep building my skills.
Through these opportunities, I hope to keep growing as a researcher and be part of work that makes a real difference for our land, water, and communities.
Tori Fulton
Yá’át’ééh shik’èí dóó shidine’è, Shí éí Tori Fulton yinishyé, Tł’áásh’chí’í nishłį́, ‘Ashįįhíí bashishchiin, Kinyaa’áanii dashicheii, Naakai dashinalí. Hello, my name is Tori Fulton and I am born to the red bottom people (mother’s clan) and salt people (father’s clan), my Cheii (maternal grandfather) is from the towering house people, and my Nali (paternal grandfather) is Mexican. I am from Tuba City, Arizona and currently an undergraduate student in my senior year at Diné College majoring in biomedical science.
One of my passions is continuously learning about water quality impacts from rural communities on tribal lands especially on the Navajo Nation. I hope to gain more hands-on research experience during this internship and develop a further understanding about water quality impacts experienced within the southwest.
Chelsie Fowler
Yá’át’ééh! Shí éí Chelsie Fowler yinishyé. Tó’aheedlíinii nishlí. Deeshchíi’níi bashishchiin. Tséńjíkiní dashiki. Naasht’ézhí tábąąhá dashinalí. Akot’éego diné asdzáán nishlí. Chilchinbetó, Arizona déé’ naashá. Shí éí Kinłánídí NAU biziilgo ólta’ígii, ííníshta’.
Hello. My name is Chelsie Fowler and my four clans (kinship) are: Water Flow Together, Red Streak People, HoneyComb Rock People, and Zuni EdgeWater. These clans are what shape me into a Navajo woman. I am originally from Chilchinbeto, Arizona. I also attend Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, Arizona. I graduated from NAU with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, and I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree. In addition, I work as a graduate research assistant for NAU’s Department of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering’s transportation department.
Sophia Sawyer
Hello, I am Sophia Sawyer, a Colombian American from Tolleson, AZ. I am an undergraduate student at Northern Arizona University in the English program with an emphasis in creative writing. I aim to become a librarian to preserve literacy and ensure equitable protection and accessibility of literary works for future generations.
2026 Air Quality Summer Interns
Caydence Palmer
Niłdaaguté? (How are you?) Shi shiłguuzhune! (I’m doing good!) My name is Caydence Palmer, and I am currently a full-time honors undergraduate student at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, majoring in Biosystems Engineering with a minor in American Indian Studies. I’m a proud member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe located in Mescalero, New Mexico. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Indigenous advocacy, and community-based environmental research. My academic and career goals center on integrating engineering solutions with cultural knowledge to address issues such as food insecurity, air quality, and resource protection in Native communities. I’m passionate about creating lasting, community-driven change that uplifts and empowers Indigenous voices.
Olyvia Beaver
Hi! My name is Olyvia Beaver, and I am a recent graduate from Northern Arizona University. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health and a double minor in Biology and Psychology. I am beyond excited to start my internship with Delta Backhaul Company, working as an Air Quality Intern and focusing on creating a healthier living environment for tribal communities in Alaska. My passion for health stems from creating equity amongst all populations, and I am excited for all of the new opportunities that will arise!
Johanna Bernu
Boozhoo Indinawemaganag! Johanna indizhinikaaz, maangnweweikwe indigo. Giigoon indoodem. Wigwaasig miinaawa gwabaa’iganiing indoojibaa. Ningikinoo’amawaagan Yale gabe-gikendaasowigamigong. I am a recognized descendant of the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and grew up in the reservation community. I am currently an undergraduate student at Yale University pursuing a double major: B.S. in Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics and B.A. in History of Science, Medicine and Public Health. I am deeply committed to cultural reclamation and language revitalization as well as showing how human health and our environment can benefit from Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge implemented with mainstream scientific methodologies. Community is vital to me, and I am incredibly passionate about education: volunteering to support student success in STEM, tutoring, and presenting on diverse educational opportunities.
Jesse Resendiz
In the state of Oklahoma, under near constant weather inconstancies, there’s a small city named Enid. Population, 61,779 people. That’s where I live. Howdy~ My name is Jesus Resendiz. I am deer clan, Two-spirit, first-generation and an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. I am a recent graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. My research experience spans from wetlands, zebra mussels, climate change effects in Alaska, and Earth Science Data analytics. This summer, I am excited to work with Haskell through the American Indian Air Quality Training Program Internship, the University of Colorado ESIIL Stars Internship, and the Tribal Wellbeing for Seven Generations Program at the National Tribal Infrastructure Coordination Conference (NTICC). With my environmental science degree, I plan to pursue a career (and hopefully a degree) in forestry.
Haiwee Fredericks
Manahuu (Greetings), my name is Haiwee Fredericks. I’m Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe. I grew up on the Bishop Paiute Reservation and I’m enrolled in the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe. I recently completed my undergraduate education studying Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems and Native American Studies, at the University of California, Davis. During my time at UC Davis I strengthened my passion for Indigenous food systems, especially through engaging with policy, fire, and most importantly, community. I’m thrilled to deepen my love of beneficial fire while amplifying Indigenous-led fire in collaboration with the Climate & Wildfire Institute (CWI) and Indigenous-led CWI partners.
CONNECT WITH US
Kim Shaw
Internship Coordinator
Kim.Shaw@nau.edu
Your tax deductible donation supports ITEP’s programming efforts.
Please contact us if you would like to contribute to our endowment or for any additional information regarding donations.