About this episode
Dr. Karletta Chief discusses her work in environmental science and its impact on Indigenous communities.
In this inspiring episode, I sat down with Dr. Karletta Chief (Diné), a distinguished hydrologist, environmental scientist, and proud citizen of the Navajo Nation. She is the Director of the Indigenous Resilience Center, as well as a faculty member and researcher at the University of Arizona. Dr. Chief discusses her expansive work addressing environmental challenges that directly impact Indigenous communities—especially in the areas of water quality, climate resilience, and tribal community engagement. IRes Group Photo Dr. Chief shares how her research bridges cutting-edge science with culturally grounded approaches, ensuring that tribal voices and knowledge systems remain central to environmental decision-making. She also talks about her passion for mentoring the next generation of scientists, describing the programs she leads to support students, by helping build pathways into STEM fields. Dr. Chief breaks down the many projects she’s involved in—from researching water and climate issues that affect Native communities to teaming up with tribal partners on real-world solutions. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Chief shares how her identity and community shape the way she…
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Karletta Chief
Topics covered
- environmental science
- Indigenous communities
- water quality
- climate resilience
- STEM education
- mentorship
Keywords
- hydrologist
- environmental challenges
- tribal engagement
- research
- climate issues
- STEM pathways
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Indigenous Resilience Center, University of Arizona, Science Friday, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Books & works: Breakthrough: Bitter Water
Places: Navajo Nation
More episodes of Cultivating Indigenous Voices
- Ep. 53 Native Broadcast Enterprise with Cisco Benally · April 16, 2026 · 20 min
- Ep. 52 The Níhí Lab Pt. 2 with Dr. Cherie De Vore, Melissa Jacquez, and Gwen Flores · March 28, 2026 · 30 min
- Ep. 51 The Níhí Lab Pt. 1 with Dr. Cherie De Vore, Nieves Vázquez, and Jariah Callado · February 24, 2026 · 38 min
- Ep. 50 Warrior Society with Andre Bouchard, Harrison Jim Sr. and Montana Miller · January 27, 2026 · 35 min
- Ep. 49 Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson · December 30, 2025 · 23 min
- Ep. 47 Indigenous Takeover with Andrew Pedro · November 10, 2025 · 30 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Cultivating Indigenous Voices podcast page.