University of Utah virtual commencement, Shaniah Chee, Navajo Nation, Miss American Indian scholar 2019

Shaniah Morning Star Chee. Shaniah was selected as one of the recipients of the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award. Shaniah utilized both her Anthropology major and American Indian Studies minor in research on the significance of firewood. "From the experience I've had these past 2 years, almost 3, I have gained a level of confidence to go out of comfort zone, as well as take notice to the importance of harvesting wood on the Navajo Nation, my home. My goal is to continue to educate those who don't know the importance of harvesting wood is more than just for warmth, it has the ability to provide my people with shelter and for ceremonial purposes, and the process it takes to get it isn't an easy task." Screenshot taken from University of Utah's 2020 virtual commencement ceremony.