The Virgil Masayesva Native American Environmental Education Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Recipients

2008 - Christopher Thompson

Christopher, a Native Alaskan from the community of Bettles, AK, is seeking two degrees at Northern Arizona University (NAU), one in Mechanical Engineering, another in Civil Engineering. Although he has struggled to finance his college education, he believes the experiences gained while working have helped mold him into the person he is becoming.

Christopher has taken on important responsibilities as a young person and learned about leadership first hand. He was the site manager for the power plant for his community, responsible for keeping the lights on during the cold Alaska nights. He was also elected to the City Council in his home community of Bettles, AK.

Joanna Hale, someone that knows Christopher noted that, "He is highly respected and well-loved by both local elders and his contemporaries for his generosity, compassion and willingness to work hard."

Christopher plans to return to his home community to help them address a variety of issues, including power generation. He wants to focus on alterative and renewable energy sources for Alaska communities.

2007 - Lydia Edgewater

B.S. Chemistry, 2006 NAU
Hometown: Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

Lydia is a Navajo tribal member from the community of Teec Nos Pos, AZ. She graduated from high school in 2003 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Northern Arizona University in 2006. She is currently working on a Masters in Science in Analytical Chemistry with an anticipated graduation date of 2008.

Lydia is devoted to addressing environmental impacts to her community and family. Her grandfather used to tell her stories about working in the uranium mines. She is currently doing research at NAU with Professor Jani Ingram to identify impacts of uranium on sheep and the Navajo People. She is interested in continuing the research to ensure that the Navajo people recognize the hazards of uranium mining and what needs to be done to mitigate the hazards. Her future plans include the possibility of a PhD in chemistry or pharmacy school

2006 - Ulaleya L. Stanley

Major: Environmental Engineering
Hometown: Tuba City, Arizona

Career Ambitions:
After getting my B.S.E. degree in Environmental Engineering from Northern Arizona University, I plan on working for an engineering company where I can gain enough experience to return to the Navajo Reservation. My ultimate goal is to return to the Navajo Nation and work as an environmental engineer. I am also interested in working for other Native American tribes around the United States.

I would like to thank the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) for awarding me with the Virgil Masayesva scholarship. With so many expenses, such as tuition, books, and class fees, I need all the help I can get. This scholarship will help me in my journey. I would like to thank everyone at ITEP, including the people who donate to the Virgil Masayesva scholarship. I would also like to thank the artist, Stacy Talahytewa, whose art raises money for the ITEP scholarship. Thank you all for your help in bringing me closer to my goal of becoming an environmental engineer. One day I hope that I can contribute back to ITEP in some way. Thank you.