Meet the Team

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Cherylin Atcitty

Interim Director, Cherylin Atcitty - Cherylin Atcitty (Navajo Tribe) is originally from Bodaway/Gap and currently resides in Taos, New Mexico. Cherylin has a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Oklahoma Panhandle State University and a M.S. in environmental science from West Texas A&M University. Her background includes working with tribes in New Mexico in natural resource management, air quality, wildlife, fire, surface water, renewable energy, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

Image of Dante Barton Program Coordinator, Dante Barton  - Dante Barton currently resides in Gallup, NM and is a member of the Navajo Nation. He is a graduate of Grand Canyon University with his Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies. He also focused his studies on Public Administration and Social Work. As a participant of the Indian Resources Development Dream Keeper program, Dante learned about IRD programming and the positive impact it can have on students. As a First-Generation college graduate, and a passion towards humanitarian work and charitable efforts, Dante hopes to inspire and advocate for Native American students pursuing post-secondary education as a program coordinator of IRD.
Image of Joshua Captain Student Assistant, Joshua Capitan - Joshua comes from the Pueblo of Laguna, but he also considers the Navajo Nation home. He is in his last semester as an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Joshua Capitan is a dedicated college student deeply committed to supporting and uplifting Native American communities. With a passion for IRD’s focus areas of agriculture, business, engineering, natural resources, and energy, he actively fosters growth and empowerment in these vital areas. Joshua Capitan is driven by a strong sense of cultural heritage and a desire to make a lasting impact on Native American communities. He strives to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern advancements through his studies and involvement, promoting sustainable development and efficient success. With a unique blend of academic knowledge, practical skills, and a deep understanding of Native American cultures, Joshua Capitan is poised to catalyze positive change within these significant focus areas.
Director of IRD, Claudia Trueblood Consultant, Claudia Trueblood - Claudia Trueblood served as Interim Director of IRD since July 2018, and Director from June 2019 to October 2023. She serves as a consultant for IRD. She holds a B.S. in Economics, an M.A. in Communication Studies, and a Ph.D. in Water Science and Management. Claudia is passionate about creating educational and economic development opportunities and working in a cooperative way.

Indian Resources Development Team Address:
Indian Resources Development
ATTN: Individual's name
MSC 3AG, PO Box 30003
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
Phone: 575-646-1347
Fax: 575-646-5975
Email: ird@nmsu.edu