DIGGING INTO URANIUM’S LEGACY

Rock is Navajo himself and grew up in Monument Valley, just north of the Arizona-Utah state line. His home is half a mile from an abandoned uranium mine. His grandfather worked at another uranium mine in the area and Rock has seen many of his family members, including his grandfather, die from cancers likely linked to the radioactive element.

After graduating from Arizona State University, Rock began to steer toward his passion. He completed a master's degree in sustainability from NAU in 2008, worked as a research scientist at the University of New Mexico, then as a water systems supervisor with the Navajo Nation EPA until he got frustrated and resigned. Later he returned to NAU, where he is pursuing a doctorate in earth science and environmental sustainability.

After growing up and seeing firsthand uranium mining’s toxic aftermath, Rock felt compelled to delve deeper into the issue during his second stint at NAU. His dissertation looks at the bioaccumulation of uranium in sheep on the Navajo Nation and he aims to work with tribal leaders to form recommendations for amounts of that meat tribal members in mining-affected areas can safely eat.