Shannon Seneca

Shannon Seneca is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University at Buffalo, located in the Department of Indigenous Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a PhD in Civil (Environmental) Engineering and is recognized as a Haudenosaunee environmental engineer. Her work integrates Indigenous knowledge with environmental science to address human health impacts from environmental contaminants.

Education:

• BS in Physics
• MS in Civil (Environmental) Engineering: Focused on ultraviolet disinfection for drinking water treatment
• PhD in Civil (Environmental) Engineering: Remediation of radiologically contaminated groundwater at WVDP

Research Focus: Dr. Seneca’s research emphasizes environmental health, contaminant hydrology, and ecosystem restoration. She explores interdisciplinary solutions to large-scale environmental challenges, particularly in Indigenous communities. Her work bridges engineering and Indigenous health systems, addressing issues like water treatment, radiological contamination, and cancer research linked to environmental exposure.

Collaborations & Experience: She previously served as Environmental Health Director for the Seneca Nation Health System and contributed to the Center for Indigenous Cancer Research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Her training through UB’s NSF ERIE program in ecosystem restoration further supports her interdisciplinary approach.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary teams at the University at Buffalo and collaborates with the National Science Foundation’s ERIE program to advance ecosystem restoration through collaborative exchange.