CROWNPOINT, NM – Navajo Technical University Environmental Science and Natural Resources graduate Dalyna Hannah of Ramah, NM is joining the University of Idaho’s fall 2021 Natural Resources PhD program cohort. Hannah was awarded acceptance into the All-Nations Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to Doctorate fellowship program, which will cover tuition and provide a stipend to cover living expenses for the first two years of graduate school. Hannah received her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resources from NTU on May 14.
“Once I received my acceptance into the Natural Resources PhD program through the Bridge to Doctorate Program my emotions were mixed with being nervous and excited,” said Hannah, who received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resources from NTU last spring. “The Environmental Science program at NTU has prepared and provided the knowledge and hands-on experience I needed to gain acceptance into graduate school at the University of Idaho, and I will forever be grateful for each opportunity that has come my way.”
Hannah worked as a Research Intern in the Climate Change research project under the supervision of Mr. Steven Chischilly, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, and in collaboration with Northern Arizona University. Hannah presented her research findings at multiple conferences and is in the process of completing a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal.
“Dalyna is an extremely hard-working and sincere student and her hard-work really paid off,” said Mr. Steven Chischilly.
The collaboration between NTU and the University of Idaho started in Spring 2020 when the University of Idaho’s team visited NTU’s main campus in Crownpoint. The visiting team worked with NTU Environmental Science faculties and motivated NTU students to apply for the fellowship program.
“At NTU’s Environmental Science and Natural Resources Program, we are making sure that all our students receive hands-on training. We are working hard to make sure after graduation our students can either secure admission to graduate school or an employment opportunity of their choice. We are always motivating our students to follow their passions,” stated Dr. Abhishek RoyChowdhury, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Natural Resources at NTU. “Dalyna’s success will undoubtedly motivate many more to follow their own dreams. We are really proud of Dalyna.”
“I hope to earn my PhD in Natural Resources and come back to the Navajo Nation to share both my knowledge and passion to the future generations,” said Hannah. “Overall, my experience being a student at NTU has been challenging but great. I am ready to take on new challenges in the graduate program.”
For more information about Environmental Science and Natural Resources program at NTU and their ongoing research projects please contact Dr. Abhishek RoyChowdhury at aroychowdhury@navajotech.edu and Mr. Steven Chischilly at schischilly@navajotech.edu.