On October 28, 2021, the Arizona Institutes for Resilience (AIR) awarded Resilience Grants totaling nearly $400,000 to seven teams representing six UArizona colleges and 10 departments or units. The grants are funded by the Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF), administered by the Office of Research, Innovation & Impact and AIR, and supported through Arizona sales tax revenues.

Daniel Vega is a UArizona senior majoring in Sustainable Built Environments (SBE), a born-and-raised Tucsonan, and a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. He was attracted to the SBE program because of his lifelong relationship with the natural environment, and a desire to employ sustainable building practices in his tribal community.

What program and/or department are you in? What year?

I’m a senior in Chemical Engineering, with minors in biosystems engineering and chemistry.

What program and/or department are you in? What year?

I am a second year PHD student in the Arid Land Resource Science Program.

Christopher B. Yazzie is a member of the Navajo Nation. He is Tó’adheedlíinii (Water Flows Together clan), born for Bííh Bitoodnii (Deer Spring clan). He was born and raised in the Navajo Nation and is from Tuba City and Dinebito Dam, Arizona.

What is your major/year?

I’m a senior, dual degree student majoring in Law and Animal Sciences, with a thematic minor in Environmental Development and Communication. I’m also pursuing the Tribal Courts and Justice Administration undergraduate certificate.

What is your major/year?

I am going to be a senior, double majoring in Environmental Studies and Geography. 

Thirty percent of Navajo homes lack indoor plumbing and access to central infrastructure for water and power. Those residents must haul water, sometimes from distant locations, from unregulated sources.

What is your major/year?

I just graduated this May with a degree in Environmental Science, emphasis in Leadership, Sustainability, and Communication.