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What areas of research at UCSD interest you?
As a third-year Ph.D. student, my areas of interest as far as my dissertation research have changed a lot since I first arrived at UCSD. Broadly, I am interested in Native Higher Education and Native critical gender studies. My research is informed by my experiences in academia and as a citizen of the Navajo Nation. Our Diné society is traditionally matrilineal and recognized many genders and these are issues that I am interested in engaging with.
How do you connect with the community as a grad student?
I primarily connect with the Native community through my work as the Graduate Community Intern here at the ITRC. My mental well-being benefits a lot from being in community with other Native folks and I am very grateful to have this opportunity to engage with Native students, faculty, staff and community members. Being in community with other Native folks has always been immensely important to me as I grew up on my ancestral homelands (the Navajo reservation) and have since pursued education away from my home community.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Admittedly, I don't have a ton of free time and as Ph.D. student and a T.A. but I try to prioritize self-care when I have the chance. I rest and eat good and nourishing food when I can and I have recently been trying to read more YA or Fiction books. Two books that I have recently read for fun that I have really enjoyed and recommend are: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger and The Fire Keeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley.
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