Undergrad Recognized For Native American Research

An undergraduate’s research into the impact of rising sea levels on Florida’s Native American tribes recently earned her recognition from the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Senior Sarah Swiersz’s interest in political ecology and climate change led her to study Florida’s coastal communities. She decided to focus on indigenous Native American tribes because of the way sea level rise in Florida negatively effects and displaces their communities.

“This humanistic approach to studying climate change brings more empathy to problems that need solving,” Swiersz said.

The early stages of her research supplied information on the customs of the individual tribes, and secured permits for future focus groups. The next phase focuses on the documentation and transcribing process, which consists of interviews and analyzing data.

Swiersz received a $200 scholarship in June and recognition as undergraduate researcher of the month.