2026 Annual Conference Keynote Speakers

Darren Parry

Darren Parry is the former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for Utah Humanities and the PBS Utah. He attended the University of Utah and Weber State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In 2024, he received an Honorary PhD in Education from Utah State University. Darren is the author of “The Bear River Massacre, A Shoshone History” and teaches in the Environmental Humanities department at the University of Utah.

He lectures around the country on Native American issues surrounding history and Indigenous views related to sustainability. He recently gave a lecture at the University of Copenhagen and spoke about Indigenous views to Climate and Environment. His passions in life are his wife Melody, 7 children and 17 grandchildren. His other passion is his Tribal family. He wants to make sure that those who have gone before him are not forgotten.

Bethany Neilson

Bethany Neilson is the director of the Utah Water Research Laboratory and a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University. Her research focuses on water resources management, hydrology, and environmental systems, with an emphasis on understanding and improving water availability and quality across diverse landscapes. 

As director, she leads the UWRL in advancing interdisciplinary water research, fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and diverse state and federal partners to address critical challenges in water management, quality, and infrastructure. Dr. Neilson is dedicated to supporting innovative research, student training, and community engagement that contribute to sustainable water solutions in Utah and beyond.