Yá'át'ééh! I'm delighted to introduce myself as Melissa Jacquez, a proud member of the Navajo Nation. I am born for the folded arm clan (Bit'ahnii), and my paternal grandparent hailed from the bitter water people (Tódich'ii'nii). As a Navajo two-spirit woman, this is how I proudly present myself. I hold a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, complemented by a Minor in Native American Studies from Northern Arizona University.

Throughout the pandemic, I realized that my true calling lies in supporting non-traditional, first-generation, and students of color in STEM fields. As a result, I am currently pursuing my Masters in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona, where I am dedicated to making a positive impact.

Presently, I am enthusiastically engaged in the NIH SEPA fund project within Dr. Ramiez lab. We aim to develop engaging summer programs for youth and adults in the copper corridor. Specifically, my role involves analyzing interviews from community listening sessions to ensure these programs effectively meet the needs of the community we serve.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I am eager to contribute my expertise and collaborative spirit to our shared goals.