Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Doctoral Student Named Cobell Fellow

June 2, 2025

By Katya Hrichak

Cheyenne Reuben-Thomas, a doctoral student in ecology and evolutionary biology, was recently selected as a Cobell Graduate Summer Research Fellow. Administered on behalf of the Cobell Board of Trustees by Indigenous Education, Inc., Reuben-Thomas is one of five fellows for 2025 selected from a pool of over 100 graduate students.

Reuben-Thomas, a member of the Oneida and Seneca Nations, studies how Indigenous people’s ongoing accumulation of knowledge between living beings in an ecosystem, known as “traditional ecological knowledge” (TEK)-practice systems, impact insects, which can serve as a gauge of environmental health. She is comparing how different fire management practices and their applied knowledge systems impact the population structure and genetic diversity of ant species with a specific focus on cultural fire and agency-led prescribed burns.

“This fellowship supports efforts in upholding Indigenous data sovereignty within my research, allowing the communities I am working with to govern their own data,” said Reuben-Thomas. “Building and maintaining these meaningful connections with the communities I am working with is imperative to the success of my research.”

The fellowship provides $5,000 to offset the costs associated with recipients’ final research projects. Reuben-Thomas’s funding will support her second fieldwork season working in California and Wisconsin with the Yurok Tribe and Oneida Nation, respectively, during which she will be collecting a particular ant species for genomic analysis.

“Receiving this fellowship reinforces my belonging as an Indigenous scientist in academia. Knowing that my work is valued across Indian Country is exciting and motivates me to continue advocating for and working toward policy changes regarding land use and land stewardship rights for our communities,” she said. “Much like Elouise Cobell, I use my self-awareness, resiliency, and tenacity as strengths within my field and academia more broadly. I am honored to join the Cobell community alongside many inspiring Indigenous scientists across disciplines.”

Now in its ninth year, the competitive Cobell Graduate Summer Research Fellowship provides financial resources during the summer months to high-achieving student researchers who might not otherwise have access to funds for research and related activities.