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 Charles Robert Wells, a participant in the 2024 TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program! Charles is a student at Tohono O’odham Community College, pursuing a degree in Business/Art.
What drives you? How and why did you decide to pursue a degree in your major?
Opportunities, I want to be able to understand and how to run and operate my own business after I graduate.
What drew you to the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program? Why is climate change important to you?
Climate change affects everyone and everything nothing is immune to the effects of climate change, being able to understand climate change will be beneficial for the future so we can adapt.
What specific project did you work on during the program, and what was your role in that project?
I studied the effect on climate change Flathead watershed, that combined with the migration the zebra mussel and how both would economically affect tribal resources on The Flathead Tribe.
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?
That the climate is delicate and can be harmed by outside forces and exciting species, both combined could cost millions of dollars to the tribe.
Is there anything else you want to share about your experience with this program?
I loved the program and I would love to continue working with it!
Learn more about the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program.
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