WRRC Student Earns PhD in American Indian Studies
The WRRC congratulates former WRRC Graduate Research Associate Aminta Menjivar Maldonado, who completed her Doctor of Philosophy in American Indian Studies from the U of A in May 2025. Although Menjivar’s academic home was the Department of American Indian Studies and the James E. Rogers College of Law, her journey intersected with the WRRC during Spring 2024, when she enrolled in WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal’s course on Arizona water policy. Megdal later served on her dissertation committee, marking the beginning of a collaborative academic relationship. Then, in Fall 2024, Menjivar joined the WRRC as a Graduate Research Associate. Reflecting on her time at the WRRC, Menjivar shared, “It has been a joy to work with Dr. Megdal on water-related projects and also collaborating with WRRC staff.”
Menjivar’s interdisciplinary work brings critical perspectives from law and Indigenous studies into conversations about water policy, equity, and sustainability in the Southwest. She is currently working with the International Indian Treaty Council and will continue her affiliation with the WRRC as a volunteer Designated Campus Colleague (DCC) Research Associate. The WRRC looks forward to the ongoing collaboration with Dr. Menjivar and to witnessing her continued impact in water policy and Indigenous rights. Congratulations, Aminta!