HIGHLIGHTED SCHOLAR
Mikayla Bia
Yá’át’ééh! Hello, my name is Mikayla Bia, and I am currently an undergraduate student at Navajo Technical University, majoring in Environmental Engineering. I am honored to be recognized as a 2025 Highlighted Scholar for the Pre-College University MES Program. As a Diné student, my academic journey has been guided by a deep respect for the land and a passion for protecting and restoring the environment through sustainable engineering practices that benefit both people and nature.
Through the MES internship, I was placed at the Department of Energy’s Grand Junction, Colorado Field Office, where I worked on an engineering project focused on wetland enhancement for Legacy Management (LM) sites. During my time there, I collaborated with ecologists, biocontrol specialists, and other environmental professionals, gaining firsthand experience in ecological restoration and sustainable land management. This opportunity allowed me to explore how engineering principles can support wetland ecosystems and improve environmental health. The fieldwork and data collection components helped me strengthen my technical and analytical skills while applying classroom knowledge to meaningful, real-world work.
The MES program has played a major role in helping me explore and refine my professional interests. It provided opportunities to learn more about environmental sustainability, restoration work, and long-term land management solutions that align with my academic and career goals. Even though I have personal areas of interest, the program continues to offer mentorship and guidance that help me grow in ways that align with my values and aspirations.
Overall, being part of the MES program has strengthened my dedication to environmental engineering and inspired me to continue learning, growing, and serving my community. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, connections, and experiences I have gained, and I look forward to carrying them with me as I continue my education and future career in environmental work.
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