Collaborative Projects & Program Development
Though a plant scientist by training, I have gotten to work on funding to support Indigenous arts, urban gardening efforts, climate resilience projects, community engagement work, and renewable energy efforts. I believe interdisciplinary approaches help communicate science and new systems most effectively.
01
Building Equity in the Intersections of Climate Change, Built Environment, and Environmental Health: A Community and Social-Technological Integration Based Research for Solutions
In partnership with UT Knoxville, East TN State University, Georgia Tech, and the Native American Indian Association of TN, this interdisciplinary grant utilizes modern technology and community outreach to identify impacts of social vulnerability on mental and physical health, home weatherization solutions in the face of climate change, workforce development pathways for community resilience, and Telehealth services. My role as a co-PI involves community outreach statewide to include native American community members in this type of work for the first time in our state. *Funded, project anticipated to begin in October 2024.
02
Native Resonance
This program was developed in partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, Vanderbilt University's Student Center for Social Justice & Identity, Tennessee State University Art Department, and the Frist Art Museum, this funding supported 10 traditional Native American artisans to do hands-on workshops and virtual seminars about Native American traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling. The artisans worked closely with staff of the Native American Indian Association of TN to develop family friendly workshops and educational materials for teachers about traditional Native American arts. I wrote the grant and aided in the administration of this project. The funding for this program helped to expand the staff and operational capacity of the Native American Indian Association of TN. Recent funded program. Learn more about educational materials produced here.
