Working as a full-time contractor to DOE, I have been able to work with a growing list of communities as I continue research directly relevant to energy in Indian Country today. For example, while interviewing tribes about energy issues in the contiguous 48 states, we immediately realized how starkly different barriers to energy development in Alaska can be. We decided that Alaska rightfully deserved an independent research initiative to evaluate Alaska-specific barriers. This ongoing research has been an incredible journey for me into the resiliency, strength, and ingenuity that Alaska Natives have in nearly every aspect of their lives. Remoteness, transportation, and extreme weather conditions, among a host of additional barriers, all complicate the energy security and reliability of systems in Alaska. However, the drive of Alaska Natives to improve their quality of life is evident in that since 2002, 56 energy development and efficiency projects in Alaska have been funded through the Office of Indian Energy, valued at over $50 million. Additionally, seven intertribal organizations were established that provide technical assistance across the entire state of Alaska for energy projects in the state.

The internship experience and guidance from Sandia National Laboratories principal member of the technical staff and internship supervisor Sandra Begay directly led to the success I had as a student and that I now see as a professional. I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given and want to encourage more to seek out these life-changing experiences. It is a great time to be interested in energy in Indian County. From the youth to current leadership, there is an excitement about the energy future we can make for ourselves and that of the United States. This is a time of American energy dominance with the America First environment. The First Americans are well positioned to engage in this movement by asserting their energy goals in the culturally appropriate ways they see fit.

Learn more about how the Office of Indian Energy’s college student internship program is sponsoring the next generation of Native leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math studies and careers.