Desiree Shelley
Pursuing an M.S. in Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education as well as a master's Certificate in Natural Resources from Virginia Tech
Desiree supports the Community Agency and Engagement for Native Students project at Virginia Tech. Her current academic research focuses on the connection between Indigenous language revitalization, traditional foodways and environmental conservation. Desiree has worked in the fields of environmental education, natural resource management and environmental restoration as well as environmental public interest advocacy, campaigning and community organizing. She serves on the board for the Yesa:sahį Language Project and the Southwest Virginia Agrarian Commons. She is a dedicated seedkeeper of heirloom Yesah (Tutelo/Monacan) seeds and lives in Roanoke County.
Desiree earned a B.S. in Environmental Science (Natural Resource Management) from University of Maryland and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education as well as a master's Certificate in Natural Resources from Virginia Tech.