Dr. Valerisa Joe-Gaddy is originally from Gallup, NM and is of the Diné (Navajo) people. Dr. Joe-Gaddy is an Alumna of the University of Arizona receiving both her PhD and MS in environmental science with an emphasis in microbiology. Prior to UArizona, she received her BS in microbiology from New Mexico State University. Dr. Joe-Gaddy’s research interests include microbial water quality and agriculture science communication. In addition, she is passionate about environmental science literacy and serving the Diné people through outreach and engagement. She founded the 2017-2018 University of Arizona Indigenous Fresh Produce Trainings which focused on teaching American Indian farmers about the Food Safety Modernization Act.