As an Indigenous assistant professor of environmental engineering, Dr. De Vore’s research has long focused on the environmental behavior of inorganic metals in mining-impacted regions—areas where contamination intersects with long-standing environmental and health disparities. Over the past decade, Dr. De Vore has employed advanced analytical techniques—ranging from spectroscopy and microscopy to materials science, molecular biology, and computational modeling—to deeply understand contaminant dynamics at multiple scales.

Building on this foundation, our group’s current work has evolved toward restoration and recovery, rooted in an Indigenous-centered research framework developed by Dr. De Vore. This framework integrates rigorous technical innovation with relational accountability to land, water, and community. We now design process treatment solutions inspired by natural systems—drawing from the resilience and regenerative capacity of ecosystems (i.e. fungi & bacteria) to inform engineering strategies that are both scientifically robust and culturally grounded.

Combining Indigenous Knowledge and Research Protocols with Place, Space, fundamental Diné philosophy and Family/Core values leads to the grander foundation of Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Dr. Cherie DeVore has over a decade of experience with several Native communities in the Western U.S. Community. This toolkit utilizes tangible and intangible tools (physical and metaphysical) that expand the definition of science and science communication—with the foundation of Indigenous Systems of Knowledge (ISK) and the Three Rs of Respect, Responsibility, and Reciprocity. A connecting objective to the toolkit centers “relationality,” sustainability and community above novelty.