Education Path
Ph.D.
Sociology. California State University, San Marcos, CA
M.A.
Sociological Practice. California State University, San Marcos, CA
Special Career Skills
“To do community-based Native health research, one needs to have a desire to serve the community, be a good listener, and respect Tribal cultural ways. Additionally, one needs to learn research and science skills through practicing reading, asking questions, problem-solving, conducting analyses, and lots of writing.”
Career Choice Decision
“I have always been interested in the health and wellness of my Native community. Growing up on the Yakama Reservation, I was fortunate that my family encouraged my achievement in school. In college, I became interested in the ways that our people's mental and physical health is influenced by social and cultural factors. I have done studies of diabetes, mental health, resilience, and social support. I do all of my research with Native communities, and most of it is with my Tribal people.”
I Like My Career Because
“I am an Ethnic Studies professor who does research on Native health issues. This work allows me to help promote wellness in our Tribal communities, teach students about community-based interventions, and honor the strengths of our traditional cultures.”
2018 Update
Founding Director of the Center for Native Health and Culture at Heritage University in Washington.
Author: Yakama Rising: Indigenous Cultural Revitalization, Activism, and Healing (2013) https://uapress.arizona.edu/book/yakama-rising
Indian Pilgrims: Indigenous Journeys of Activism and Healing with Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (2016)
“I was taught by my elders to respect others, be observant, be thoughtful, be a good listener, be patient, and never give up. Fortunately, these are some of the best skills that a health scientist needs. If you care about your people's health, you should think about helping to solve some of the health problems that your community faces. Perhaps a health science career is for you.”
Words of Wisdom
