Casey Thornbrugh

Ph.D. Student, Geography & Regional Development (minor: American Indian Studies)

M.A., 2006, Geography, University of Arizona
B.S., 2004, Geography, University of New Mexico
B.A., 2004, African American Studies, University of New Mexico

Phone: (520) 621-1652
FAX: (520) 621-2889
E-mail: caseyt@email.arizona.edu

418 Harvill Building, Box #2
Tucson, AZ 85721-0076
USA

Curriculum Vitae

Research

My research combines an assessment of climate and other environmental changes in southwestern North America with opportunities for nation building and education in Native American/First Nation communities. I am specifically interested in the environmental changes during the past 15,000 years in the Southwest and the profound, rapid changes such as invasive species and climate that are occurring today. I am exploring opportunities for Native nations in the Southwest and elsewhere on Turtle Island (the Americas) to manage these changes in ways that address specific needs such as economic development, health care, language retention programs, and education (including culturally reflective curriculum in primary, secondary, and post secondary schools). I am interested in this research because I am an Indigenous person (Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe), and I grew up in the Southwest (New Mexico).

Project Involvement

• Tohono O’odham Community College weather and climate course development
• Tohono Land Connections youth program
• Climate and culture of Diné Bikeyah youth program
• USGS Navajo Nation studies