Kahheetah Barnoskie
USDA Forest Service – People, Plants, Pollinators Project
Lawrence,KS
15
years of professional experience
Scientific professional with solid history of driving research initiatives and delivering impactful scientific insights. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in dynamic environments. Possesses strong analytical skills and an inquisitive mindset that fosters innovative solutions.
Work History
Research Fellow
2 Years 1 Month- Coordinated workshops with Tribal communities, managing logistics, identifying presenters and attendees, and organizing field trip sites and activities to facilitate knowledge exchange.
- Developed and maintained relationships with Tribal partners through outreach and communication, fostering collaborative research and knowledge sharing.
- Coordinate and support workshops with Tribal communities, including planning logistics, identifying presenters and attendees, and coordinating field trip sites and activities.
- Conduct research on prairie restoration practices and ethnobotanical information related to culturally significant prairie plant species.
- Research and analyze the inclusion of culturally significant plants in prairie restoration projects to inform future restoration planning and management
- Conducted research on prairie restoration practices and ethnobotanical knowledge of culturally significant prairie plant species to support informed restoration efforts.
- Prepare weekly project reports and contribute to quarterly reports, Tribal plant reports, and publishable project manuscripts.
- Participate in weekly project meetings and quarterly project planning and reporting activities.
Food Service Worker (Intermittent)
3 Years 4 Months- Prepared and served food items to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to comply with health standards.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or accuracy.
- Maintained safety standards by properly handling food and adhering to sanitation guidelines.
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Work automated purchasing systems.
Summer Intern Supervisor
2 Years 4 Months- Supervised daily operations of intern activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Developed training materials to streamline onboarding process for new interns.
- Mentored interns, fostering professional development and enhancing team collaboration.
- Coordinated field trips, workshops, and training sessions to build skills and knowledge among interns.
- Collected plant data pertinent to seed preservation and maintained database.
- Maintained communication with farmers, research staff, and Tribal staff, coordinating site visits, travel reports, and updates to data collection.
- Presented summary report to Organization's Board, Tribal agency, and professional agricultural groups.
Graduate Research Assistant
3 Years 7 Months- Assisted in data collection and analysis using statistical software to ensure project accuracy.
- Presented research findings at workshops and funding groups, contributing to knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Utilized advanced statistical software to analyze large datasets, uncovering key insights for informed decision making.
Data Collection Consultant
1 Year 5 Months- Collected plant data pertinent to seed saving and Indigenous food sovereignty.
- Developed comprehensive strategies aligning with organizational goals, focusing on Indigenous rights and sustainability.
- Liaised with farmers, team members, and management to better understand project needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive project outcomes aligned with cultural preservation and advocacy efforts.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to improve stakeholder understanding of operational best practices.
- Presented summary reports to organization's board, Tribal councils, and the public.
Musician
5 Years- Collaborated with band members to create original compositions and arrangements.
- Developed promotional strategies to increase band visibility and audience reach.
- Coordinated logistics for performances, including venue selection, scheduling, and travel.
- Engaged with fans through social media platforms to build community and support for the band.
- Scheduled rehearsals with other musicians and choirs.
- Collaborated with fellow musicians for seamless performances and increased audience engagement.
- Sought out professional development opportunities such as masterclasses or workshops to continuously improve musicianship skills.
- Produced and recorded studio albums for various genres.
VISTA Volunteer
1 Year- Organized community service events to engage local residents and foster volunteer participation.
- Developed educational materials promoting program initiatives and resources for community outreach.
- Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to identify community needs and enhance service delivery.
- Coordinated training sessions for new volunteers, ensuring understanding of organizational goals and responsibilities.
- Streamlined reporting processes to improve tracking of volunteer hours and project outcomes.
- Led strategic planning efforts to align program objectives with community interests and resource availability.
- Coordinated garden planning, seed distribution, summer tending, fall harvesting, and processing of crops.
- Collected plant data pertinent seed saving and Indigenous food sovereignty.
- Created and maintained media for organization to connect with community and Tribal events.
- Presented annual summary report for organization to the public.
Summer Intern
1 Year 2 Months- Assisted in seed collection and preservation techniques to enhance biodiversity efforts.
- Conducted research on native plant varieties, contributing to data compilation for future projects.
- Implemented tracking systems for inventory management of preserved seeds, improving organizational efficiency.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
Counselor Aide
6 Months- Team member in an inpatient substance abuse treatment center for Native American adolescents.
- Developed rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds by demonstrating empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental support throughout the counseling process.
- Monitored client progress and documented observations to inform treatment adjustments and support strategies.
- Provided orientation, guidance and instruction in group treatment activities.
- Assisted students with school work and treatment sessions.
- Occasional overnight security.
- Prepared reports summarizing client progress, challenges faced during treatment, and suggestions for continued growth upon completion of the program.
- Liaised between clients and external service providers, facilitating referrals and ensuring smooth transitions between different levels of care.
Summer Camp Chaperone
1 Month- Supervised and provided security for summer camp program for Native American children and adolescents.
- Monitored activities and assisted with campsite orientation and rules.
- Assisted with talking groups and ensured safety of participants.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Engineer Technician GS 06
1 Year 9 Months- Managed assigned projects in the individual water and sanitation facilities program within the Northern California Indian Health Service area.
- Managed government contracts between IHS, contractors, and clients.
- Maintained regular communication and progress reports to home-owners, engineering staff, and vendors.
- Assessed site needs in order to obtain necessary supplies for each project. Completed forms for requisitions.
- Monitored for proper and safe installation of client's water and waste systems.
Education
Master of Science - Agronomy
- Minor in Leadership Education
- Thesis: Unraveling the Tapestry of Indigenous Maize in North America: A Case Study of Pawnee Ancestral Maize
Bachelor of General Studies - Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Extracurricular Activities: Women's Rowing Team (4years)
Skills
Research design
procedures
and reporting
Scientific writing and reports
Project coordination and team collaboration
Data analysis techniques through R and Excel
Microsoft Office Suite programs: MS Word
PowerPoint
Excel
Publisher
Teams
Community outreach strategies through social media and physical outreach
Accomplishments
- Workshop organizer for 2025 Culturally Significant Plants Workshop, White Cloud and Lawrence, KS
- Workshop coordinator for 2024 People, Plants, Pollinators Workshop, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
- Panelist at 2023 Great Plains Conference: Plant to Table
- Panelist at 2022 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue
- Presentation to Pawnee Chiefs 2022, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
- Presentation to public 2021, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
Timeline
Research Fellow
USDA Forest Service – People, Plants, Pollinators Project
2024.09 - 2026.10Read More
Food Service Worker (Intermittent)
Peaches Navajo Taco Food Stand
2023.05 - 2026.09Read More
Summer Intern Supervisor
Pawnee Seed Preservation Society (PSPS)
2022.06 - 2024.10Read More
Data Collection Consultant
NDN Collective- Pawnee Seed Preservation Society
2020.07 - 2021.12Read More
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
2020.01 - 2023.08Read More
VISTA Volunteer
AmeriCorps- Pawnee Seed Preservation Society
2018.12 - 2019.12Read More
Summer Intern
Pawnee Seed Preservation Society
2017.06 - 2018.08Read More
Musician
The Red and Blues Band
2015.01 - 2020.01Read More
Counselor Aide
Indian Health Service, Nevada Skies Youth Wellness Center
2014.08 - 2015.02Read More
Summer Camp Chaperone
United Indian Health Services
2013.07 - 2013.08Read More
Engineer Technician GS 06
Indian Health Service, Office of Environmental Health and Engineering
2011.08 - 2013.05Read More
University of Nebraska
Master of Science from Agronomy
Read More
University of Kansas
Bachelor of General Studies from Liberal Arts And Sciences
Read More