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Sonya Atalay, provost professor of anthropology, has been named one of 15 recipients of the National Geographic Society’s 2025 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia.

Atalay was named to the new cohort of National Geographic Explorers who are redefining what it means to lead in science, conservation, education, technology and storytelling. The director and principal investigator of CBIKS – the NSF-funded Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science – Atalay is a public anthropologist combining community knowledge and Western Science to address environmental variability, protection and care of cultural places and food security through partnerships with local communities.

In their announcement of the award winners, National Geographic said that Atalay and her fellow awardees “exemplify bold thinking and boundary-pushing action that aligns with the Society’s mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.”

“True to the name of this award, this extraordinary group of changemakers represents the bold spirit of purposeful exploration,” said Alex Moen, chief explorer engagement officer at the National Geographic Society. “Their creativity and innovation are helping us to better understand and protect the natural world, and we’re proud to support them as they lead us into a more viable future.”

In addition to joining the National Geographic Society’s global community of National Geographic Explorers, each recipient receives a monetary award to support their work. They are being celebrated at the Society’s annual Explorers Festival this week in Washington, D.C., and are eligible to apply for further project funding through the Society’s Wayfinder Program. They also receive leadership development, speaking opportunities and a collaborative platform to connect across disciplines.

More information about the recipients of the 2025 Wayfinder Award Presented by Kia can be found on the Society’s website.