Nadira Mitchell

Nadira'a Story

Nadira is a citizen of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and lifelong resident of Tucson. She grew up with a love for the Sonoran desert and deep respect for her native culture. Her mother encouraged at a young age to be inspired by and interact with the natural world and to respect and protect animals. These early experiences have inspired Nadira to search for experiences in her education that would support her growth as a scientist and steward of nature, including participating in science fairs with SARSEF, national competition challenges in MESA, and other research and wildlife experiences available. While participating in MESA Nadira learned how to collaborate with a team and create a project that for the National Engineering Design Competition. She gained experience in human centered design and academic presentations at the national level.

As an undergraduate student at The University of Arizona, Nadira has continued to find opportunities to engage at a high level and has presented her research nationally at American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in the Science (SACNAS) conferences. As a first year student, she became founding member of the American Indian Student Initiatives, a student club with a mission to reduce environmental injustice for Indigenous communities. She also participated in programs like the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' ASEMS program, the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program, UA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), and Diana Liverman Scholars program to further develop her research and scientific communication skills. Nadira wants to use her education to further the integration of Indigenous perspectives in wildlife, Tribal lands, and natural resources policy. She aspires to advocate for environmental equity in Indigenous communities.

Nadira is graduating May 2024. Congratulations!