Professional Experience
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Surface Biology and Geology Study Collaborations Group Speaker Series
December 2023 - Presenter
Invited speaker where I spoke about a paper I am correctly working on with Gabrielle Rocha-Crowe, Rico Ramirez, Tekpatl Kuauhtzin, Malinalli M. Diaz, and Axayacatzi Kuauhtzin. Our paper is dedicated to developing a conceptual framework for developing meaningful collaborations with Indigenous communities in the sciences. Our paper will focus on specific projects that integrate remote sensing, Indigenous data governance, capacity building, and Indigenous Peoples right to self determination in urban Los Angeles. Our paper will include testimonials from Indigenous Peoples across what is now Los Angeles County.
Chief Ya'anna Regenerative Learning Village Yolsentalpixkeh Youth Research Council
October 2022 - Program Coordinator and Terrestrial Ecology Research Lead
Anawakalamekak and the Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation of Southern California recently rematriated a local site on the traditional village of Otsuunga (Land of the Wild Rose) in North East Los Angeles, CA. This 12 acre site is home to an abundance of local native wildlife. Development of the site will begin after a year-long baseline research study is conducted in the the following topics: terrestrial ecology, soil contamination and remediation, water retention and restoration, wildlife conservation, and land accessibility. This research council is comprised of inner-city Indigenous youth that attend Anawakalmekak. Research findings will be presented in Yolsentlapixkeh Indigenous Youth Gathering that I am helping to coordinate sometime June 2024.
CSULA IndigeNations Scholars Program
June 2023 - Program Coordinator, Mentor, and Instructor
California State University, Los Angeles curriculum development and implementation. This program is dedicated to the autonomy of Indigenous youth as scientists. I am leading the terrestrial ecology research group focused on understanding the biodiversity of Pimungna (Catalina Island) spatially and temporally using remote sensing databases.
E3 Conservation and Environmental Justice Panel
April 2021 - Environmental Symposium
Environmental symposium hosted at UCLA for Earth Day focused on environmental justice and conservation. I was a panelist alongisde Leah Thomas, founder of the Intersectional Environmentalist Collective.
Advanced Field Biology and Environmental Restoration Curriculum Development
Nov 2022 to present - Curriculum development and Co-Instructor
Advanced course for high school seniors intended to culminate their dedication to research in the sciences following previous courses I also helped create such as Science is Ceremony, UC Climate Stewards, and Indigenous Environmental Science. Students conduct undergraduate-level research in terrestrial ecology, soil biogeochemistry, environmental health, mammalogy, ornithology, entomology, and hydrology. This course culminates through an independent capstone project where students develop research questions and conduct a year-long research project with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders.
Girls Learn International
Nov 2022 - Student Symposium
Student symposium for marginalized girls interested in STEM. My presentation focused on Indigenous science and autonomy of Indigenous youth.
University of California Climate Stewards
Oct 2021 to present - Curriculum Development and Instructor
High school curriculum development in collaboration with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Audubon Center at Debs Park. This course will provide UC Climate Steward certification, UC credit, and A-G honors credit.
Western Society of Naturalists
Nov 2021 - Student Symposium
Underrepresented voices in the environmental justice movement. Presentation alongside Kristan Culbert, the California Central Valley River Conservation Associate Director, and Michael Mascarenas, UC Berkeley Associate Professor.
University of California Climate Stewards Curriculum Development
October 2021 to present - Anahuacalmecac University Preparatory of North America (AIUPNA), Audubon at Debs Park, and UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resource
High school curriculum development in collaboration with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resource. This curriculum will be offered Fall 2022 for Indigenous high school youth interested in the environmental sciences and maintenance of traditional conservation and restoration practices. This course will provide UC Climate Steward certification, UC credit, and real-world experience.
University of California Climate Stewards Instructor Certification
October 2021 - Anahuacalmecac University Preparatory of North America (AIUPNA)
Completion of instructor certification for the Climate Stewards program from the UC California Naturalist program in collaboration with the Audubon Center at Debs Park and AIUPNA. Instruction to begin the summer of 2022.
Ketsal Fellow, Indigenous Environmental Science
August 2021 to present - Anahuacalmecac University Preparatory of North America (AIUPNA)
Co-teacher in the Indigenous Environmental Sciences for eighth, ninth, tenth, and honors classes.A-G Curriculum development, teaching of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) based earth science, conservation and restoration biology, chemistry, botany, geography, and history.
Ketsal Fellow, Science is Ceremony Program Coordinator
March 2021 to August 2021- AIUPNA
8 week summer program dedicated to the sovereignty of Indigenous youth as environmental scientists, environmental advocates, and original caretakers of these sacred lands.This program was done in collaboration with the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation. A-G Curriculum development, program development, teaching of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) based earth science, conservation and restoration biology, chemistry, botany, geography, and history
Ketsal Fellow, Nikan Tochan Initiative, Food Sovereignty Workshop Series Lead
February 2021 to March 2021 - Nikan Tochan at AIUPNA and Growing the Table (GTT)
Nikan Tochan (Reclaiming Our Home) Food Distribution program in response to Covid-19’s impact on Black and Brown communities. Weekly distribution of fresh groceries and weekly community workshops on food apartheid, food sovereignty, community led cooking classes, and Indigenous autonomy in our community of Otsuugna, El Sereno.
Data Analyst for the Million Dollar Hoods Project and the No UCPD Coalition
February 2021 to March 2021 - University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Data management, analysis, and organizing on policing across the Universities of California.
Data Analyst and Research Management, Felipe Zapata Lab
June 2018 to September 2020 - UCLA
Data management and analysis on research dedicated to assessing the evolutionary history and biodiversity of plants ranging from South America, Central America, and the California Floristic Province.
Client Communications Lead and Research Data Member, Senior Practicum
Fall 2019 to June 2020 - UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
Research project investigating harmful impacts of oil and gas facilities on Indigenous Nations of what is now known as New Mexico. Community led research, public records requests (PRAs), science communication, geographic information systems, and data analysis.
Tutor and Staff, American Indian Recruitment Programs
September 2017 to June 2019 - UCLA
Project dedicated to providing educational assistance to American Indian youth of Los Angeles County. Community engagement, community events, public speaking, and educational tutoring.
UC Natural Reserve Systems Ecology and Conservation
Spring 2019 - California Ecology and Conservation (CEC)
50 day immersion course focused on field research undertaken in protected natural areas across California. Applied science, public speaking, scientific writing, statistics, botanical sciences, and traditional ecological knowledge.
December 2023 - Presenter
Invited speaker where I spoke about a paper I am correctly working on with Gabrielle Rocha-Crowe, Rico Ramirez, Tekpatl Kuauhtzin, Malinalli M. Diaz, and Axayacatzi Kuauhtzin. Our paper is dedicated to developing a conceptual framework for developing meaningful collaborations with Indigenous communities in the sciences. Our paper will focus on specific projects that integrate remote sensing, Indigenous data governance, capacity building, and Indigenous Peoples right to self determination in urban Los Angeles. Our paper will include testimonials from Indigenous Peoples across what is now Los Angeles County.
Chief Ya'anna Regenerative Learning Village Yolsentalpixkeh Youth Research Council
October 2022 - Program Coordinator and Terrestrial Ecology Research Lead
Anawakalamekak and the Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation of Southern California recently rematriated a local site on the traditional village of Otsuunga (Land of the Wild Rose) in North East Los Angeles, CA. This 12 acre site is home to an abundance of local native wildlife. Development of the site will begin after a year-long baseline research study is conducted in the the following topics: terrestrial ecology, soil contamination and remediation, water retention and restoration, wildlife conservation, and land accessibility. This research council is comprised of inner-city Indigenous youth that attend Anawakalmekak. Research findings will be presented in Yolsentlapixkeh Indigenous Youth Gathering that I am helping to coordinate sometime June 2024.
CSULA IndigeNations Scholars Program
June 2023 - Program Coordinator, Mentor, and Instructor
California State University, Los Angeles curriculum development and implementation. This program is dedicated to the autonomy of Indigenous youth as scientists. I am leading the terrestrial ecology research group focused on understanding the biodiversity of Pimungna (Catalina Island) spatially and temporally using remote sensing databases.
E3 Conservation and Environmental Justice Panel
April 2021 - Environmental Symposium
Environmental symposium hosted at UCLA for Earth Day focused on environmental justice and conservation. I was a panelist alongisde Leah Thomas, founder of the Intersectional Environmentalist Collective.
Advanced Field Biology and Environmental Restoration Curriculum Development
Nov 2022 to present - Curriculum development and Co-Instructor
Advanced course for high school seniors intended to culminate their dedication to research in the sciences following previous courses I also helped create such as Science is Ceremony, UC Climate Stewards, and Indigenous Environmental Science. Students conduct undergraduate-level research in terrestrial ecology, soil biogeochemistry, environmental health, mammalogy, ornithology, entomology, and hydrology. This course culminates through an independent capstone project where students develop research questions and conduct a year-long research project with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders.
Girls Learn International
Nov 2022 - Student Symposium
Student symposium for marginalized girls interested in STEM. My presentation focused on Indigenous science and autonomy of Indigenous youth.
University of California Climate Stewards
Oct 2021 to present - Curriculum Development and Instructor
High school curriculum development in collaboration with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Audubon Center at Debs Park. This course will provide UC Climate Steward certification, UC credit, and A-G honors credit.
Western Society of Naturalists
Nov 2021 - Student Symposium
Underrepresented voices in the environmental justice movement. Presentation alongside Kristan Culbert, the California Central Valley River Conservation Associate Director, and Michael Mascarenas, UC Berkeley Associate Professor.
University of California Climate Stewards Curriculum Development
October 2021 to present - Anahuacalmecac University Preparatory of North America (AIUPNA), Audubon at Debs Park, and UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resource
High school curriculum development in collaboration with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resource. This curriculum will be offered Fall 2022 for Indigenous high school youth interested in the environmental sciences and maintenance of traditional conservation and restoration practices. This course will provide UC Climate Steward certification, UC credit, and real-world experience.
University of California Climate Stewards Instructor Certification
October 2021 - Anahuacalmecac University Preparatory of North America (AIUPNA)
Completion of instructor certification for the Climate Stewards program from the UC California Naturalist program in collaboration with the Audubon Center at Debs Park and AIUPNA. Instruction to begin the summer of 2022.
Ketsal Fellow, Indigenous Environmental Science
August 2021 to present - Anahuacalmecac University Preparatory of North America (AIUPNA)
Co-teacher in the Indigenous Environmental Sciences for eighth, ninth, tenth, and honors classes.A-G Curriculum development, teaching of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) based earth science, conservation and restoration biology, chemistry, botany, geography, and history.
Ketsal Fellow, Science is Ceremony Program Coordinator
March 2021 to August 2021- AIUPNA
8 week summer program dedicated to the sovereignty of Indigenous youth as environmental scientists, environmental advocates, and original caretakers of these sacred lands.This program was done in collaboration with the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation. A-G Curriculum development, program development, teaching of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) based earth science, conservation and restoration biology, chemistry, botany, geography, and history
Ketsal Fellow, Nikan Tochan Initiative, Food Sovereignty Workshop Series Lead
February 2021 to March 2021 - Nikan Tochan at AIUPNA and Growing the Table (GTT)
Nikan Tochan (Reclaiming Our Home) Food Distribution program in response to Covid-19’s impact on Black and Brown communities. Weekly distribution of fresh groceries and weekly community workshops on food apartheid, food sovereignty, community led cooking classes, and Indigenous autonomy in our community of Otsuugna, El Sereno.
Data Analyst for the Million Dollar Hoods Project and the No UCPD Coalition
February 2021 to March 2021 - University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Data management, analysis, and organizing on policing across the Universities of California.
Data Analyst and Research Management, Felipe Zapata Lab
June 2018 to September 2020 - UCLA
Data management and analysis on research dedicated to assessing the evolutionary history and biodiversity of plants ranging from South America, Central America, and the California Floristic Province.
Client Communications Lead and Research Data Member, Senior Practicum
Fall 2019 to June 2020 - UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
Research project investigating harmful impacts of oil and gas facilities on Indigenous Nations of what is now known as New Mexico. Community led research, public records requests (PRAs), science communication, geographic information systems, and data analysis.
Tutor and Staff, American Indian Recruitment Programs
September 2017 to June 2019 - UCLA
Project dedicated to providing educational assistance to American Indian youth of Los Angeles County. Community engagement, community events, public speaking, and educational tutoring.
UC Natural Reserve Systems Ecology and Conservation
Spring 2019 - California Ecology and Conservation (CEC)
50 day immersion course focused on field research undertaken in protected natural areas across California. Applied science, public speaking, scientific writing, statistics, botanical sciences, and traditional ecological knowledge.
Leadership
Yolsentlapixkeh Youth Research Council Coordinator and Terrestrial Ecology Lead
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - June 2023 to present
Advanced Field Biology and Environmental Restoration Curriculum Development and Instructor
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - October 2022 to present
IndigeNation Scholars Research Program Co-Coordinator and Instructor
California State University, Los Angeles, Anawakalmekak, and USC Sea Grant - Summer 2023
University of California Climate Survivance/Stewards Certification Course Curriculum Development and Instructor
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources - September 2022 to present
Ketsal Youth Research Scientist Coordinator and Creator
University of California, Los Angeles and Anawakalmekak - September 2022 to present
IndigeNation Scholars Research Program Co-Coordinator and Instructor
California State University, Los Angeles, Anawakalmekak, and the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation - Summer 2022
Indigenous Environmental Science Co-teacher
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - August 2021 to June 2022
Indigenous Environmental Science Curriculum Development
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - June 2021
Science is Ceremony Summer Program Coordinator
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - Summer 2021
Food Sovereignty Community Workshop Lead
Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles, County- February 2021 to March 2021
Womxn’s/Gender non-conforming (GNC) Committee, ECLF
Yaangna, Tovaangar, Los Angeles County - Fall 2017 to Present
Youth Conference and Basketball Tournament Co-Coordinator, American Indian Student Association
UCLA - Winter 2020
Board Member, American Indian Student Association
UCLA - Fall 2017 to Summer 2020
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - June 2023 to present
Advanced Field Biology and Environmental Restoration Curriculum Development and Instructor
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - October 2022 to present
IndigeNation Scholars Research Program Co-Coordinator and Instructor
California State University, Los Angeles, Anawakalmekak, and USC Sea Grant - Summer 2023
University of California Climate Survivance/Stewards Certification Course Curriculum Development and Instructor
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources - September 2022 to present
Ketsal Youth Research Scientist Coordinator and Creator
University of California, Los Angeles and Anawakalmekak - September 2022 to present
IndigeNation Scholars Research Program Co-Coordinator and Instructor
California State University, Los Angeles, Anawakalmekak, and the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation - Summer 2022
Indigenous Environmental Science Co-teacher
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - August 2021 to June 2022
Indigenous Environmental Science Curriculum Development
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - June 2021
Science is Ceremony Summer Program Coordinator
Anawakalmekak, Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles County - Summer 2021
Food Sovereignty Community Workshop Lead
Otsuugna, El Sereno, Los Angeles, County- February 2021 to March 2021
Womxn’s/Gender non-conforming (GNC) Committee, ECLF
Yaangna, Tovaangar, Los Angeles County - Fall 2017 to Present
Youth Conference and Basketball Tournament Co-Coordinator, American Indian Student Association
UCLA - Winter 2020
Board Member, American Indian Student Association
UCLA - Fall 2017 to Summer 2020
Presentations
"Indigenous Science: Developing Pathways for Meaningful Collaborations and Right to Self Determination" Jet Propulsion Laboratory Surface Biology and Geology Study Collaborations Group Speaker Series - December 2023
"Indigenous-Led Urban Ecological Restoration and Monitoring" CV4Ecology, CalTech Resnick Sustainability Institute, Pasadena, CA - August 2023
"E3 Earth Month Conservation and Environmental Justice Panel" Ecology, Economy, and Equity, University of California, Los Angeles, CA - April 2023
“Unnatural Disasters: Climate Crisis and Zapatismo” Eagle and Condor Liberation Front, Los Angeles, CA - January 2022
“Food Justice, Youth Workshop” Na'ah Illahee Fund, King County, Oregon - March 2021
“Food Sovereignty and Migrant, Urban Indigenous Communities of Otsuugna, Los Angeles, California a Series” AIUPNA - February 2021 to March 2021
“UCLA AISES: Natives in STEM Panel” American Indian Science and Engineering (AISES) Society, UCLA - February 2021
“UCLA Panel: Indigenous Perspectives and the Environmental Movement” UCLA, organizer - January 2021
“New Mexico Practicum Project, Impacts of Oil and Gas on Indigenous Communities” UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability - June 2020
“Legacy of Land Use History in Meadow Plant Communities of Angelo Coast Range Reserve” Blue Oak Ranch Reserve UC Berkeley, University of California Natural Reserve System CEC - May 2019
“A Conversation on Climate Change: How BIPOC Communities Can Prepare” Eagle and the Condor Liberation Front (ECLF), UCLA - January 2019
“Things You Should Know About Climate Change” Semillero Seedbed, Convening of Collectives in East Los Angeles, California - November 2018
“BIPOC University Students in STEM” UCLA Undergraduate Program for the Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS) Symposium - October 2018
Lab, Field, and Educational Experience
- Remote Sensing (LARIAC LiDAR, Landsat, PlanetScope)
- Statistical Software (R, JMP)
- Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS, ArcGIS online, QGIS, USGS EarthExplorer)
- Public Records Act Requests, New Mexico and California (PRAs)
- Habitat Suitability Modeling (Wallace v1.0)
- Quantitative Plant Analysis, Plant Leaf Area (ImageJ)
- Germination in Green Houses (UCLA Botanical Garden)
- Plant Identification in California Ecosystems
- Soil Cores and Soil Sampling
- Medicinal Botany
- Indigenous Agriculture and regenerative agriculture
- Community Seed Libraries
- Indigenous Food Sovereignty
- Community Engaged Research
- Indigenous Environmental Science
- Grant Proposal Writing
- A-G Curriculum Development
- UC Curriculum Development