Michael Charles is an assistant professor with the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University. He is also an affiliated faculty member with the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program and is Diné, a citizen of Navajo Nation. Dr. Charles earned his B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Cornell University before completing his graduate studies (M.S. and Ph.D.) at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on computational sustainable design, ecological modeling, systems optimization, and community engagement, particularly with Indigenous communities. Broadly, Charles' work revolves around the intersection between computational research, community needs, and collaborative engagement with localized and Indigenous knowledge systems. Along with his research, he works with the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change to advocate for Indigenous rights, leadership, and self-determination within UN Climate Negotiations.