Learn more about our team
Senior Tribal Liaison and Sustainability Science Manager
Amelia Cook is the Sustainability Science Manager and Tribal Liaison. She is a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation and science educator.
She holds a degree in Biological Sciences from OSU and a Master’s of Education from the University of Oklahoma, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Science Education. Her research centers Indigenous perspectives and values in climate and science education and exploring question of how education can foster just, sustainable, and thriving communities. During her master’s research, she served as a South Central CASC student intern, supporting the Tribal Engagement program, and collaborating on youth educational outreach efforts. This transformative experience deepened her commitment to science education, supporting Indigenous students in STEM, and collaborating with Native Nations and scientists to understand and respond to a changing environment.
New Mexico Tribal Liaison
Chelsey Begay, MCRP is Diné (Navajo) and serves as the NM Tribal Liaison for the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Ya’at’eeh, shi ei Chelsey Begay yiniishye. Ta’neeszahnii nishli, Tl’aashchi’i bashishchiin. Tachii’nii ei dashicheii doo Ashiihi ei daschinali. English translation: Greetings, my name is Chelsey Begay. I am the Tangle Clan born for the Red Streak Bottom Clan. My grandfathers are the Red Running into the Water Clan and the Salt People Clan. I am from the To’Hajiilee Navajo community.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Planning and Design with a Native American Studies minor and a Master of Community and Regional Planning with a concentration in Indigenous Planning from the University of New Mexico, School of Architecture and Planning. In New Mexico she seeks to connect Tribal Nations and their staff with relationships, tools, and opportunities to improve their adaptation to climate change through various community engagement efforts.
At an early age it was instilled in her that to know the land you need to walk the land. She enjoys spending her time at sheep camp herding sheep or working on the garden.
Research Associate and Tribal Liaison
Yvette Wiley is a Muscogee citizen and serves as the Research Associate and Tribal Liaison for the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. She brings many years of experience working for tribes in the natural resources and environmental sectors. She focuses on building and engaging with Tribal staff to assist with their climate change concerns. She also focuses on the intersection of water, climate change and ecological systems. She earned a M.S. in Environmental Science from Oklahoma State University and her research was on a specific methodology of assessing the quality of riverine wetlands within the Muscogee Nation Reservation in Oklahoma.
Areas of Expertise:
- Communication with Tribal staff working in natural resources and the environmental sector
- Water, wetlands and ecological systems
- Outreach
- Communication design
Yvette loves all animals, especially cats. Outside of work she spends her time with her cats and dogs and advocates for the rights and protection of wildlife. Hobbies include kayaking and hiking, but most evenings she will be walking or roller skating along the Arkansas River Trail.
New Mexico Tribal Liaison
Jake Palazzi serves as the New Mexico, Tribal Climate Science Liaison with SC CASC. In New Mexico he seeks to connect Tribal Nations and their staff with relationships, tools, and opportunities to improve their adaptation to climate change. Jake grew up near the Salish Sea in Washington State. Spending a lot of time outdoors when he was younger gave him a strong appreciation for the importance of creating climate change solutions. As part of his undergraduate honors thesis work he had the privileged of performing interviews with Native Alaskans on their interactions with state fisheries authorities and general input level on state fisheries regulation. This work convinced him of the importance of an Indigenous inclusive and holistic approach to climate change adaptation and natural resource management. Jake has experience in ecological fieldwork and has studied and practiced science communication for many years. At CASC he will use this experience to distill climate adaptation research into information that is beneficial and applicable to Tribal Nations.