Alexio Lira

Alexio is a member of the Dry Creek Ranchería Band of Pomo Indians and a Master’s student in Data Science at UC Berkeley. In his professional and academic pursuits, he is working to make renewable energy more accessible to tribal communities, ultimately fostering energy independence. His goal is to help Native communities take control of their energy future, while protecting our lands and preserving our cultural traditions.

About Alexio’s Project

Native American households face a 35% higher energy burden than the national average, with more than 14% having no access to electricity on reservations. During his time as a 2025 Brave Heart Fellow, Alexio reconnected with his Tribal community – the Dry Creek Ranchería Band of Pomo Indians in Northern California – to conduct research on this energy disparity in Indigenous communities.

Alexio is focused on helping to bring about energy justice by overcoming potential barriers to implementing floating solar, also known as floating photovoltaics (FPV). Financing, bureaucratic obstacles and cultural values are three such variables identified in his research. His ultimate goal is to bring more awareness to this issue and help outline new pathways for Tribes interested in starting renewable energy projects.