CHEYENNE I. REUBEN-THOMAS
Indigenous Scientist | PhD Student | Cornell University | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Entomology
Shékoli! Cheyenne Reuben-Thomas ni:yukhats.
Onʌyoteˀa·ka· wakenyʌhtʌ niwakiˀtalo·tʌ.
Hello! My name is Cheyenne Reuben-Thomas.
I am an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Turtle Clan,
and of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.
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Yaw^ko (thanks) for visiting my page!
I am a PhD Student in Dr. Corrie Moreau's lab at Cornell University in the department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. My work is supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and Cornell University's Dean's Scholar Fellowship.
I am broadly interested in investigating the impacts of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)-Practice Systems on insect biodiversity, population genetics of social insects, and applying Indigenous data sovereignty / supporting Indigenous self-determination in ecological research.
Specifically, I am investigating and comparing the effects of Cultural Fire (traditional/Indigenous-led applications of fire) and agency-led prescribed burns on species and genetic diversity of ants.
NOVEMBER 2024:
I presented in the Indigenous Science Symposium at the EntSoc Annual Meeting, which gave me a platform to discuss how to conduct research in a relational & reciprocal way and to respect/uphold data sovereignty in entomological research. It was a packed room and seemingly well-received!
OCTOBER 2024:
I attended the Indigenous Voices Convening at HHMI, where leadership from three societies (Entomology, Ecology, Botany) met with active Indigenous students, including myself, to discuss strategies for advancing other Indigenous folks in these fields.
SEPTEMBER 2024:
I completed my first summer of fieldwork at the end of the month! I learned so much through my fieldwork and am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with community along the way. The next few months will have me sorting and identifying >10,000 samples!
IN THE MEDIA:
Please see IN THE MEDIA tab for more.
