CHEE Researchers Help Tackle Sustainability Challenges on the Navajo Nation

Twelve University of Arizona graduate students, including environmental engineer Christopher Yazzie, have teamed up with undergraduates on the Navajo Nation to design a solar-powered water filtration system that can provide 50 gallons of safe, clean water to 30 Navajo families per day.

The goal of this unprecedented collaboration between the UA and Diné College, which serves a predominantly Navajo student population, is to teach the next generation of STEM professionals how to confront food, energy and water challenges among indigenous communities while letting traditional values guide their work.

The project – called Indigenous Food, Energy and Water Security and Sovereignty, or Indige-FEWSS – combines research internships, teaching and cultural immersion.

Indige-FEWSS is led by associate professor of environmental science Karletta Chief. Among the other UA faculty involved are CHEE Professor Emeritus Bob Arnold and professor Kim Ogden.

The program is supported by a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation.