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encouraging friends and advisors along a very challenging curriculum. The world of science – both in academia and in corporate practice – is still heavily dominated by men, however, Chief excelled through hard work and an insatiable curiosity.
She thought to herself,
“There’s more to do and more to learn. The more skills I acquire; the more knowledge I get; the more I can help my people.”
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences agreed, awarding an outstanding $434,000 research grant to assess exposure and risk perceptions following the Gold King Mine spill in northern New Mexico to a cross-disciplinary team led by Chief.
Chief has gained a stellar reputation as a researcher and lecturer in the areas of climate change and hydrology. After being awarded her first small grant to fund a workshop with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and showing the importance and transferability of her research to the rest of Indian Country, she has reached the point of being sought out to partner on other projects. And now is able to take on her own groups of students to further their educations.
However, being an associate professor is only a part of who she is, and what she does. Chief must strike a balance between her professional obligations and the demands of being a wife and mother.
She weighs her obligations as “the long-term average of my life. Sometimes, I’m so busy with work. And, sometimes I’m very consumed by my family. And, sometimes, I’m right in the middle. It’s never perfect. But, I think the way I balance it is thinking about my family, first. They’re the ones that make me who I am. I couldn’t do what I do in academia if it wasn’t for my husband.”
She describes her husband as both her partner and teammate. They both travel extensively, she as lecturer and him as a professional musician.
Their schedules would be challenging for any married couple to manage, but they have the additional consideration as parents of a child with special needs.
“My son has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. It’s caused by a rare genetic mutation.” For a whole lot of people, that challenge would be a career-ender. But, the Chief family faces it with courage and grace, and, a strong faith in God.
“It’s not just me. I’m able to have faith that everything will be okay. And, having confidence that there is a reason me and my husband were given this challenge. There are many blessings that come through those challenges,” said Chief. “It was very hard to keep that faith at many times in our journey – very heartbreaking, as well. I certainly could not have done it alone. My husband has been there every step of the way.”
Chief relies on her siblings and other family members, as well. “They support me. Not just in what I do professionally. I do a lot of community work, as well. They help me with my kids through encouragement and prayers.”
Even with a schedule as full, and sometimes hectic, as she maintains, she makes sure to take adequate time to decompress. She is an avid runner, sometimes pushing her 4-yearold son in a running stroller for upwards of three miles. She does not neglect the spiritual side of her nature.
“I take my individual time, away from all the other responsibilities. Then, just praying, thanking God for the blessings in my life. That’s the core of who I am.”
She offers this advice to other young women who want to pursue careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields: “I would encourage them to seek out the opportunities. They require some research. Finding out what those opportunities are, and really go after them. And, seeking out good mentors.”
Chief recalls that some of her most valuable mentors were not formal mentors, rather they were people who offered great life advice.
“Communication is key. Communicating to your professors and team members. That might be challenging as a Navajo.
It certainly was for me,” said Chief” “When I got to college, I was hesitant to speak. I was intimidated. Have the courage to speak up. And, set goals. Reaching your short-term goals so that you can reach your longterm goals.”