Researcher Spotlight – Kurt Naquin

2024-25 Global Change Research Fellow

PhD Student, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
Advisor: Caren Cooper

About You

What do you study?
My research is centered around documenting and uplifting Indigenous experiences in collaborative projects between Indigenous collectives (Tribal governments, Indigenous led organizations, etc). and Western scientific institutions (universities or public agencies), particularly in participatory science or deliberative science projects. I use theories and frameworks such as Decolonial Theory, Relational Accountability, and Reciprocity to understand the creation and outcomes of research relationships. My goal is to help build upon or improve ethical models of collaboration so that we are able to nurture empowering relationships over extractive partnerships. In my research, I emphasize reflexive and participatory action oriented qualitative methods, to help explicitly identify and implement values into collaborative projects.

Why did you choose to pursue this line of research?

Climate change is a wicked problem that demands collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships, as no single person or entity can solve it alone. As both an Indigenous (Houma) person and a researcher with a background in environmental justice, I have witnessed the transformative power of collective efforts. However, partnerships between powerful institutions and community groups or smaller organizations often carry significant power imbalances, which can perpetuate inequities or create harmful outcomes. This presents a paradox: while collaboration is essential to addressing climate change, it can also reinforce existing injustices if not approached with transparency and intention. To resolve this, we must prioritize equitable, inclusive, and transformative partnerships built on mutual respect, shared decision-making, and accountability. Centering the voices and solutions of marginalized communities—those most impacted by climate change—is critical. Applying frameworks like Relational Accountability and the CARE principles—Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics—ensures that collaborations foster trust, transparency, and justice, providing a pathway to address the complexities of climate change meaningfully and responsibly.

What do you think is the most pressing issue related to global change?
The most pressing issue related to global change is the unequal distribution or hoarding of resources and power. This systemic imbalance drives a cascade of interconnected challenges, such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequities. People that lack political and economic power are often excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their lives, such as climate policy or land use decisions. This exclusion not only worsens existing inequalities but also erodes trust and undermines collaborative solutions necessary for global change. I believe that collaborative efforts can redistribute power by including historically excluded groups in governance processes. Models like participatory budgeting or community-based resource management allow local populations to make decisions about how resources are allocated or managed. This ensures that solutions are not imposed from the top down but are co-created to reflect diverse needs and contexts.

About Your Research

Tell us about the last year- how has your research progressed or evolved?

Since last year, I have been able to connect with many more people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, who are invested in collaborative and deliberative projects, which has opened my eyes to all kinds of possibilities for meaningful partnerships and knowledge-sharing. These connections have deepened my understanding of how relational accountability can be operationalized in research and how Indigenous and Western approaches to science can complement one another when mutual respect and shared goals are at the forefront.

Through these interactions, I have encountered new perspectives on participatory science that challenge traditional power dynamics and emphasize co-creation rather than extraction. I’ve also learned more about how to navigate the ethical complexities of such collaborations, particularly in ensuring that Indigenous partners are treated as co-researchers and compensated equitably for their contributions.

I’ve also refined my methodology to better align with the values of reciprocity and relationality. For example, I’ve adapted my Collective Memory Work approach to include elements that are culturally resonant with my Indigenous participants, ensuring the process is as inclusive and empowering as possible. These experiences have not only informed my dissertation research but have also reshaped how I view my role as a scholar, emphasizing the importance of building trust and fostering long-term relationships over short-term outputs.

What is the most important thing that you’ve learned? 

The most important thing I’ve learned is that what I’m looking for is not “concrete” answers or “one size fits all solutions.” Instead, I’m seeking ways to develop iterative processes that adapt to the needs, contexts, and relationships involved in my work. This realization has taught me the value of flexibility and the importance of being open to evolving understandings and approaches.

Rather than aiming to “solve” problems in a definitive way, I’ve come to see the power of co-creating frameworks that prioritize relational accountability, reciprocity, and continuous learning. These processes require centering the voices and experiences of those directly affected, respecting diverse ways of knowing, and allowing space for growth, reflection, and adaptation over time.

This shift in mindset has also reinforced the importance of humility and collaboration in research. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and view it as an opportunity for deeper engagement rather than as a challenge to overcome. Ultimately, this perspective allows for more meaningful, context-specific, and sustainable outcomes that honor the complexity of the issues I’m addressing

About Your Global Change Research Fellow Experience

Having been through the SE CASC Global Change Research Fellows Program before, how has it impacted you and your work? 

Being a part of SE CASC and the Global Change Research Fellows Program gives me hope for the future, even in the face of daunting challenges like climate change. Being part of a community of passionate, forward-thinking individuals who are dedicated to creating meaningful change reminds me that these issues, while complex and overwhelming, are not insurmountable. I really appreciate that this program creates a sort of collective sense of purpose and shows me that solutions are possible when diverse voices and expertise come together.

The Global Change Fellowship also reminds me that I am part of something much bigger than myself—a broader effort to address global change in ways that are creative, equitable, sustainable, and just. This sense of belonging and shared commitment not only motivates me but also instills a deep sense of responsibility to contribute meaningfully to this work. Knowing that I am surrounded by people who care deeply about the future and are actively working toward it gives me a sort of sense of purpose and the optimism to continue, even when the path forward feels uncertain.

What advice would you give to a student that is interested in getting involved in your field?
I would emphasize the importance of balancing depth with breadth. Develop expertise in a specific area, but remain curious and willing to learn from adjacent disciplines—climate science, anthropology, environmental justice, and communication, for example, often intersect in meaningful ways. Finally, prioritize relationship-building. Trust, respect, and reciprocity are critical to impactful work, especially when collaborating with communities.

What are some things you’re noticing as you go through the fellows program a second time?

Going through the program a second time, I’ve noticed a deepening of the relationships I’ve formed with peers and faculty. I’m more confident in contributing my perspectives and engaging in critical conversations, particularly about integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and participatory methodologies into climate science.

I’ve also become more aware of how my own research fits within the larger landscape of global change work. Revisiting foundational concepts and applying them to my evolving dissertation project has been a rewarding process. I understand how far I’ve come and how much more there is to learn.

Learn more about the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center’s Global Change Research Fellows program.