Karletta Chief is a Diné hydrologist, best known for her work to address environmental pollution on the Navajo Nation and increase the participation of Native Americans in STEM.
[2] One of Chief's research interests is addressing food, energy and water challenges in Indigenous communities with methods that include their traditional values.
[3] In particular, she has researched the impacts of the 2015 Gold King Mine spill on residents of the Navajo Nation.
Her research regarding the effects of the Gold King spill have aided several communities affected by the disaster.
[4] As part of this work, Chief gives public presentations in the Navajo language, especially to farmers, ranchers, and families who are affected by pollution and mining waste.