FORT HALL, Idaho (AP) — Cleve Davis has become the first member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to receive a Ph.D. in science, according to University of Idaho officials.

The Post Register reports that the eastern Idaho native completed a doctorate in environmental science and plant ecology. He walked alongside 30 other graduates at this year's University of Idaho-Idaho Falls commencement ceremony. Davis says earning the degree has been a major accomplishment.

Davis became part of the university's Indigenous STEM Research and Graduate Education program, which was designed to increase the number of Native American students pursuing doctorates or master's degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Davis now works as an environmental coordinator for his tribe's fish and wildlife department. He says he plans to use his doctorate to give back.

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