In the 2019-29 year, CHER has unprecedented number of graduate students in its master’s and doctorate programs.
Meet our 14 graduate students (and 1 undergrad) and learn why they chose NAU!
Lyle Becenti
Hometown: Naschitti, NM
What is your program of study? Master of Public Health– Indigenous Health
When will you graduate? Fall 2020
Why are you interested your program? I plan to attend medical school and the MPH program will help me bridge the gap between primary physician and patient. I hope to contribute to the Navajo Nation by alleviating the unequal burden of type 2 diabetes and addressing health inequity.
Andria Begay
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ
What is your program of study? Master of Public Health –Indigenous Health
When will you graduate? Spring 2020
Why are you interested your program? I did my undergrad in Public Health and really enjoyed it. I am in the MPH program because I wanted to expand my knowledge in the public health sector.
Kalvina Lee Belin
Hometown: Pinon, AZ
What is your program of study? MPH Health Promotion–Indigenous Health
When will you graduate? Spring 2020
Why are you interested in your program? How to promote health and prevent diseases within Indigenous communities. An opportunity to use and revitalize Indigenous culture and traditions.
Carolyn (Carly) Camplain
Hometown: Grants, NM
What is your program of study? Interdisciplinary Health PhD, Health Equity emphasis
When will you graduate? Spring 2021
Why are you interested your program? I am interested in bridging the gap between public health and the law. By pairing scientific research and law, it is possible to undo many of the structural and social determinants that affect individual’s health status that have been created by past laws and policies. Specifically, I am interested in utilizing law and policy to positively affect incarcerated and Indigenous populations’ health.
Esther Cadman
Hometown: I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico but I now live in Flagstaff.
What is your program of study? PhD in School Psychology Program through the Educational Psychology Department
When will you graduate? Fall 2020
Why are you interested your program? I am interested in School Psychology because I enjoy working with preschool and school-aged children providing quality services within the schools (e.g., from consultation to evaluations to providing direct services to students, parents and school staff).
Jennifer Etcitty
Hometown: Kirtland, New Mexico
What is your program of study? Undergraduate senior in Public Health with a double minor in Applied Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Health Studies
When will you graduate? May 2020
Why are you interested your program? I am interested in the Public Health program as it allows me to dive into many health topics and issues. The program has helped me become a growing advocate and health professional, by addressing health issues and fighting for a healthier nation. I aspire to come back to the reservation and help the indigenous people obtain a greater health and well-being.
Amy Gelatt
Hometown: Grand Junction, Colorado
What is your program of study? Master of Public Health – Health Promotion
When will you graduate? 2022
Why are you interested your program? I am interested in Public Heath because of the broad reach of the field. My particular interests are in the areas of environmental and occupational health which can be encompassed in larger issues, such as social justice, environmental racism, and climate change. I really like that this program allows for flexibility in my studies and that I can really pick and choose what I focus on.
Omar Gomez
Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ
What is your program of study? Master of Public Health – Indigenous Health
When will you graduate? Fall 2020
Why are you interested your program? My interest in the MPH program is due to its interdisciplinary approach and is a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal of working with underserved communities both as researcher and, eventually, an MD. My experience as both an immigrant and an indigenous person greatly inspires me to solve inequalities in these communities.
Dulce Jiménez
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
What is your program of study? Master of Public Health – Health Promotion
When will you graduate? Fall 2019
Why are you interested in your program? Before the MPH program, most of what I knew about health was clinical in nature, which excluded knowledge that is critical to effectively promote and improve health. This program has allowed me to explore health and disease from a human perspective and understand how historical, political, and social context affects individual and community health.
Alexandra Elvira Samarron Longorio, RDN
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
What is your program of study? Master of Public Health – Health Promotion
When will you graduate? Fall 2019
Why are you interested in your program? Before the MPH program, most of what I knew about health was clinical in nature, which excluded knowledge that is critical to effectively promote and improve health. This program has allowed me to explore health and disease from a human perspective and understand how historical, political, and social context affects individual and community health.
Travis Pinn
Hometown: Vancouver, WA
Program of Study: Interdisciplinary Health PhD
Graduation date: May 2024
Interest in program: I was attracted to the program because of the great faculty and innovative program design, which will allow me to build a unique skillset for my research and professional goals.
Grant Sears
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
What is your program of study? Master of Public Health – Health Promotion
When will you graduate? Fall 2019
Why are you interested your program? The Health Promotion program empowers me to give back to communities that provide immense opportunities and to those that are in need. I feel it is my obligation to use my degree to contribute to the health of my community in whatever way is beneficial or necessary.
Melinda Smith
Hometown: Arlee, MT
What is your program of study? Interdisciplinary Health PhD
When will you graduate? 2023 (maybe)
Why are you interested your program? This program will help me gain the skills, knowledge, experience, and credentials I need to advance in the field of chronic disease prevention and management community engaged research.
Marissa Tutt
Hometown: San Carlos, Arizona (San Carlos Apache Reservation)
What is your program of study: Master of Public Health – Health Promotion/Indigenous Health
When will you graduate: December 2019
Why are you interested in your program: It is a unique program designed for Native students to receive the training they need to return to their communities and make a difference.