Elisha Charley

Elisha Charley is an Assistant Professor at The Design School, Arizona State University (ASU), and a PhD candidate in Urban Planning at the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. A member of the Navajo Nation (Nihok'aa Diyin Dine'e), her research focuses on Indigenous planning strategies, self-help housing in the Navajo Nation, and climate resilience. She holds a B.S. in Interior Design (Northern Arizona University, 2012), an M.A. in Community, Regional, and Planning (University of New Mexico, 2017), and is completing her PhD at ASU.

Her work integrates participatory advocacy, emphasizing Indigenous futurity and community-driven solutions. She serves as an Indigenous Fellow with the Nááts'íilid Initiative, advocating for reciprocity and community vitality. Teaching includes courses like Indigenous Design Data Collection (DSC 519) and Landscape Architecture (LAP series).

Elisha’s research explores intersections of climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and urban development. Her recent publications address extreme heat mitigation in mobile homes and housing solutions for vulnerable Indigenous communities.