The Wyss Scholars Program

Hanson Mike

northern arizona university - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLICY

Hanson Mike is a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation. His interest in conservation began when he saw the marginalization of Indigenous peoples in his community through the lens of environmental injustices such as climate change, habitat degradation, development of sacred spaces, lack of water accessibility and availability, and water pollution. At Fort Lewis College in Colorado, he immersed himself in conservation and social issues related to climate change. Interning at Conservation International, Grand Canyon Trust, and Tó Nízhóní Ání, Hanson gained practical experience addressing environmental concerns. He collaborated with Indigenous communities to tackle uranium pollution and halt developments near sacred landscapes. Now pursuing a Master's in Environmental Science & Policy at Northern Arizona University, he aims to use his research and passion to address public lands stewardship and water governance, particularly within Indigenous communities. His thesis focuses on the lack of Indigenous involvement in implementing the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge into Western sciences for effective conservation.