Insulin, a medication used to treat diabetes, is temperature-sensitive and has a short shelf life. It can be stored unopened for up to a year, but once opened, it must be used within weeks or even days. Because insulin is made up of proteins suspended in a water-based solution that facilitates its delivery and preservation, if… Read more
Navajo Nation
NAU professors investigate potential cultural barriers to Indigenous peoples’ success in STEM fields
Nov. 26, 2018
Indigenous people have the lowest rate of university enrollment and graduation rates of any group in the United States—and in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, they represent only 0.5 percent of students nationwide. Professionals in STEM careers are underrepresented as well—Native Americans make up only 0.4 percent of the engineering workforce, according to the… Read more
New $1.4 million grant supports NAU-Navajo Nation Tribal Epidemiology Center impact study of ‘unhealthy food’ tax
The Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) was signed into law in 2014, mandating a 2 percent tax on all “foods of little-to-no-nutritious value” purchased in Navajo Nation retail stores. The law was designed to promote health and combat high rates of overweight and obesity—along with diseases such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The tax applies to high-fat baked goods and… Read more
NAU team receives $2.6 million grant to train, mentor Native American students in STEM disciplines
Native Americans have the lowest rate of university enrollment and graduation rates of any group in the United States—and in STEM fields, they represent only 0.5 percent of students nationwide. Another major hurdle for Native American populations is health-related. Those living on tribal lands experience a disproportionate rate of environmentally-associated health issues such as cancer,… Read more