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 Water Resources and Land Management Summer 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.
CONNECT WITH US
Kim Shaw
Internship Coordinator
Kim.Shaw@nau.edu
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