How have indigenous populations been impacted by the climate crisis.? While indigenous populations have faced economic and political injustice, environmental injustice also causes disruptions to their way of life. To talk about this issue, Dr. Crystal Stiles is here today. Dr. Stiles has M.S. in Geoscience and B.S. in Geography from Western Kentucky University and a pHd from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is the tribal engagement coordinator for the National Integrated Drought Information System program. On this episode she will describe her work with this program and more.

What do you think of when you hear plastic pollution? For many, bags, bottles, or straws littered on beaches come to mind. However, there is a whole other realm of plastic material in water that many do not consider; microplastics. Dr. Garth Covernton, a PhD candidate at the University of Victoria, is here today to describe these substances and how they have infiltrated our water systems and more.

Today, Dr. John Jackson is here to discuss stream biota and how they are affected by numerous anthropogenic factors. More specifically, he dives into the vital role insects have to play in our ecosystems, and what we can do to protect them. Dr. Jackson is an adjunct professor of biology at the University of Pennsylvania, an adjunct professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, and is a senior researcher at the stroud water research center. On this episode, Dr, Jackson will also bring to light the contributions and resources of the Stroud Center.

Dr. Paul Capel is featured on today's episode to talk about all things agriculture. Capel is a professor at the University of Minnesota and has decades of experience in water and agriculture. He holds a B.A in Chemistry/Science Education from Evangel College, and an M.S.C.E and Ph.D from the University of Minnesota in Environmental Engineering. Additionally, he has done work for the U.S Geological Survey, and will describe the agency's resources on this episode. Attached is a report with more information if you are interested.

Paulina Concha Larrauri is here today to discuss concerns in water infrastructure and management. Larrauri holds a Bachelors in Chemistry from the ITESM in Monterrey, Mexico, and a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from Columbia University. Currently she is employed at the Columbia Water Research Center, and has carried out a variety of water infrastructure projects including a risk assessment of dams in the United States. On this episode she will also describe the efforts of the Columbia Water Research Center and its impact as an organization.

Hear Renee Reber describe her career in water advocacy. In this episode, she brings to light the arduous process of protecting watersheds, the dilemmas that arise in government with clean water, and more. Reber is employed at PennFuture, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit focused on creating sustainable communities, and is involved at the state and federal level of government.

Welcome to AquaAction!