The Center for Health Equity Research and the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative congratulate our fall 2020 graduates — Anika Shanelle Martin, Caleigh Curley and Jordin Aguilar — who earned a Master of Public Health, Indigenous Health Track or Health Promotion Track. We are proud of all of their hard work and wish them all the best in their bright futures!
Aloha, my name is Anika Shanelle Martin. I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and received my Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Public Health from Northern Arizona University in fall 2018.
During my time with the Master of Public Health program, I served as a graduate assistant for the Office of Inclusion: Multicultural and LGBTQIA+ Student Services, which allowed me to gain experience in providing outreach efforts and promote inclusivity among the NAU community of marginalized populations.
I have a passion for helping underserved populations, therefore, after graduation, I plan on conducting community outreach and implementing health and wellness programs to better the health statuses of marginalized communities in Hawaii.
I would like to thank my mother, sister and the rest of my family for supporting me all the way from Hawaii, to complete the Master of Public Health program, especially when I felt absolutely alone. I also would like to thank my instructors, mentors, and peers for their constant encouragement and help when I found myself in times of struggle.
Moving forward, I will be sure to use the skills and knowledge I obtained from this amazing experience towards improving the overall health status in my community.
My name is Caleigh Curley. I am graduating with a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion with the Indigenous Health Track. I am thankful for my family and social network who have offered support and encouragement throughout my educational career.
After graduation, I will work with Northern Arizona University in the Department of Health Sciences as a research specialist to study the impact of the Health Diné Nation Act, a 2% tax on foods of little-to-no-nutritional value, on three major components:
• chapter wellness programming supported by the tax revenue
• changes in the food store environment and pricing following the tax implementation
• changes in nutrition behaviors following the implementation of the tax
I am also exploring possible doctoral programs and am interested in public health medicine, minority health and disparities, and health policy.
Jordin Aguilar is from Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico, and the Navajo Nation. She received her bachelor’s degree in public health at NAU and is now a graduate student in the Master of Public Health program.
Jordin is thankful for the networks and friendships she made during her time at NAU. She is also extremely thankful for her family and their support every step of the way.
After graduation, Jordin plans to work with the Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation, a local health facility in her home community. She eventually plans to continue her education and pursue a doctoral degree in public health.