The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) hosts the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program, a 12-week summer experiential learning opportunity through which undergraduate students participate in identifying and addressing climate change and energy issues in their respective American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The program is designed for TCU Indigenous students who are passionate about taking action to address climate change affecting Tribal lands and supporting Tribal leadership in all areas of Nation-building affected by climate challenges.
Meet Ashley Gordon-White, a participant in the 2024 TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program! Ashley is a student at The College of the Muscogee Nation, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
What drives you? How and why did you decide to pursue a degree in your major?
My children are my driving force. They like to experience what I see and find when I’m researching, which keeps my passion flowing. I am obtaining my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and taking the LSAT and law school to help fight against land crimes for my tribe and others.
What drew you to the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program? Why is climate change important to you?
I have always felt a connection to the land I inhabit. I combined the two with my passion for the environment and law for a future occupation. This internship gave me the experience I needed to see the more significant problems and how to research a way to bring some action to those problems. To incite the change, you have to be the change.
What specific project did you work on during the program, and what was your role in that project?
I worked on a small-scale project. My town is in a deep crisis with water-related issues, and that is what called out to me. I have lived here in this town allotted to a relative, and no upkeep or repairs have been made to a 100-year-old water tower. I focused on samples in soil and water to give a rough estimate of the minerals in both and what that meant in terms of repair.
What was the most significant takeaway you gained from the program? What advice would you give to other students considering the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program?
The networking I had done and the experience I learned from other Natives in these jobs I had only dreamed about. It helped me to see what that looks like firsthand. These programs inspire and hope for those who have never seen what representation looks like on a larger scale. My advice would be to take notes. Soak it all in and breathe through it.
Is there anything else you want to share about your experience with this program?
The amount of uplifting moments you have from your peers and those who run the program is amazing. I enjoyed every minute of the learning and weekly meetings with mentors.
Connect with Ashley Gordon-White on LinkedIn.
Learn more about the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program.
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