CROWNPOINT, NM – On March 6, 2025, the University hosted its Twelfth Annual Research Day competition, providing a platform for students from various disciplines to showcase their research projects. The event awarded cash prizes to the top three submissions displayed for visitors.
First place went to NTU students Cajaun Cleveland, Jennifer Morgan, and Jacob Largo for their project titled “Incorporating Dine’ Bizaad into a Dataset Format for Machine Learning & AI.” Their research revealed a decline in the use of Dine’ Bizaad, the Navajo language, within the Navajo Nation. In response to this challenge, they developed a dataset of conversational Dine’ Bizaad terms, words, and subjects, converting them into a machine-readable format. This innovative approach lays the groundwork for creating language learning applications, translation tools, and other digital resources.
The second place was shared between two groups. One group, comprising NTU Chinle students Syerra Wartz, Eugenia Bia, and Tierra Francis, presented their project titled “Building Economic Development Strategies to Raise Income and Standard of Living for Chinle, AZ.” Their research focuses on developing economic strategies tailored to Chinle, AZ, by analyzing the area’s natural characteristics, demographics, and social and economic factors. They assessed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to establish development goals. Successful implementation of these strategies will require strong leadership from the local government and active contributions from organizations and residents.
The other second-place group, consisting of Brandon Yonnie and Daniel Moore, conducted a study titled “Robotics in Education: Teaching the Next Generation.” Their research explored using robots as teaching tools in the classroom, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills, especially in STEM subjects across the Navajo Nation. This approach helps students develop essential coding, computational thinking, and digital literacy skills, preparing them for future careers in technology-driven fields. Ultimately, their method engages students in active learning through building, programming, and interacting with robots, allowing them to understand underlying concepts and applications better.
Avery Begay secured third place for their project. Avery Begays’ biological research was placed third in the project “Exploring the Biodiversity of Endophytic Fungi: A Possible Source of Pinyon Decline.” This study demonstrated that endophytic fungi are microbes that colonize the tissues of organisms, such as plants and trees, without causing harm. The project focused on isolating these fungi and utilizing molecular biology methods to confirm the mycobiome in the bark of pinyon trees, which was successfully identified.
An annual research event was held exclusively for NTU students, where they presented and discussed their research projects. Five university officials judged the projects based on their ability to deliver their analysis thoroughly, their comprehensive impacts, and the organization of the subject. The event featured 15 research projects from NTU’s environmental science, engineering, and biology programs.
Dr. Casmir Agbaraji stated, “The students are growing into empowered individuals, especially through the insights their coaches and knowledgeable scholars provided! This opportunity allows us to embrace Indigenous knowledge from around the world. Be sure to apply these valuable lessons in your lives—together, we can make a meaningful difference!”
The prizes for the best three posters are:
1st Place – Cajaun Cleveland, Jennifer Morgan, and Jacob Largo – Dine’ Culture, Language, and Leadership. – Incorporating Dine’ Bizaad into a Dataset Format for Machine Learning & AI.
2nd Place (tie) – Syerra Wartz, Eugenia Bia, and Tierra Francis – Accounting – Building Economic Development Strategies to Raise Income and Standard of Living for Chinle, AZ.
2nd Place (tie) – Brandon Yonnie and Daniel Moore – Engineering – Robotics in Education: Teaching the Next Generation.
3rd Place – Avery Begay – Biology – Exploring the Biodiversity of Endophytic Fungi: A Possible Source of Pinyon Decline.
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For more information, contact:
Casmir I. Agbaraji, Ph.D.
Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Navajo Technical University
P: 505-387-7371
E: cagbaraji@navajotech.edu
Navajo Technical University continues to honor Diné culture and language while educating people for the future.
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu
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