Diné Environmental Institute Internships
Introduction
The Diné Environmental Institute pursues to enhance student learning and success by providing them with the opportunity to participate in research and learning internships that elevate their scholastic abilities and confidence in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and traditional cultural knowledge.
Students are able to get involved with real world reasearch. They can touch on issues that are local, issues that influence the land here on the Navajo Nation, and issues that can be brought to the forefront of the triabl government. Scientific reasearch with concrete data, high experimental value, and proposed resolutions can help lobbyist and lawmakers strive for changes that enable the conservation, preservation, and security of natural resources on the Navajo Nation and can influence other entities to seek out such directives.
Deadline: May 8, 2009
DEI Internship Application
DEI Internship Program Desciption
Science Pathway Project
The Science Pathway Program under the DEI is designed for students pursuing a science career path. Students in the program are assisted financially through stipends and are required to be in the program 40 hours a week conducting research. The Science Career Cohort Pilot Program is just one of the many opportunities for students to enhance their academic endeavors under the DEI.
Additional information can be found on the brochure and you can call (928) 724 - 6662.
Environmental Education and Research - EvER
EvERs stands for Environmental Education and Research. The purpose of the EVER program is to encourage students to develop an increased interest in science and engineering. We also encourage student to choose or continue seeking an Associate of Science degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Public Health, to plan and prepare for transfer to a 4-yr college or university and complete a BS in Math, Science or Engineering major, to provide research experience, and to encourage Native Americans to return to their communities as scientists and engineers.
During the summers of 2007 and 2008, Dine College students worked as EvERS interns focusing on environmental research. At the Tsaile campus, Prudi Begay, Veranda Evans, and Tiffany Sandoval began a water quality study focused on the use of unregulated water sources in and around the Tsaile community. Summer 2007 welcomed, Clint Russell and Dionca Jim to the already eclectic team of researchers. The research consisted of the collection and testing of water samples from local wells, natural seeps, livestock windmills, and public water tanks in the Tsaile area. The samples were tested for coliform bacteria, sulfates, nitrates, and heavy metals. This summer, the interns conducted oral surveys in the Navajo language, the survey was given to the people using these various water sources. The students wanted to understand their views of the water. This survey is important because the contaminated water directly affects the people who use the unregulated water sources.
Other EvER interns, Shaundina Litson and William Yazzie, worked for resource management and interpretation in Canyon De Chelley National Monument. Surveys included southwest willow flycatcher, bald eagle, Mexican spotted owl, and small mammal.
Margaret Mayer, instructor at Dine College, acted as mentor and supervisor of these interns.
Land Grant Office
Another great opportunity for internships and student success is through the Land Grant Office. The Land Grant Office provides student and professional development, research and curriculum design. Staff members and students are encouraged to initiate, develop, organize and coordinate local community based projects that improve local economic development, natural environmental resources, agriculture, and livestock. Projects such as these create career pathways for interested students and for the professional advancement of staff and community members.
For additional information you can call (928) 724 - 6941.