Indigenous Food, Energy, and Water Security and Sovereignty (Indige-FEWSS)

Abstract:

A large portion of the approximately 370 million indigenous people living in over 90 countries in the world do not have secure access to food, energy and water (FEW) infrastructure and their ability to have healthy communities depend on on sustainable FEW systems and technologies. The overall research theme addresses this global challenge and focuses on the development of novel and sustainable solutions for off-grid production of safe drinking water, brine management operations, and controlled environment agriculture systems. This includes research in innovative photovoltaic, holographic, sensors and controls, unit operation technologies, material, device, and systems resiliency. The vision of this IN-FEWS Trainee Track is to develop a diverse workforce with intercultural awareness and expertise in sustainable food, energy, water systems (FEWS) specifically through the design of resource conserving water and controlled environment agricultural (CEA) technologies to address the lack of safe water, energy, and food security in indigenous communities. To develop this workforce, our project, Indigenous Food, Energy, and Water Security and Sovereignty or Indigi-FEWSS, will educate and engage students, with an emphasis on recruitment of first-generation and minority students seeking opportunities, to make a difference in developing communities. The main training elements are: a) major course work; b) training through industry or government internships particularly those with indigenous project applications; c) completion of FEWS minor; d) participation in a cross-cutting FEWS seminar involving faculty, students, and indigenous partners; e) immersion in indigenous communities to develop and teach FEWS-themed modules at Diné College (the oldest tribal college in the U.S.) or at tribal workshops; f) designing and leading pilot projects for FEWS challenges facing the Navajo Nation, one of the largest tribes in the United States; and g) professional development to prepare for internship, teaching, training, and immersion; and h) interdisciplinary FEWS dissertation research.