# data[].attributes.body
I'm a Diné woman from Saint Michaels, AZ. I'm of the Red House and Water Flows Together people on my mom's side, and I am Mexican on my father's. I grew up on the Navajo reservation and started my education at a Navajo immersion school. However, I graduated from a Catholic school. My parents raised us practicing both Navajo traditions and catholicism, but I no longer practice the latter.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bridging health disparities for tribal communities using epidemiology

# data[].attributes.subject
Bridging health disparities for tribal communities using epidemiology

# data[].attributes.body
In COPH, researchers are split between infectious and chronic disease epidemiologists. Tribal populations still suffer from both at high rates, so I haven't "picked a side." I am focused on research important to tribal communities, regardless of whether it is infectious, chronic, environmental, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
I've lived in Tucson going on 14 years, starting when I moved for my bachelor's degree. I've graduated from the university twice, with a BS in Public Health and MS in Epidemiology. I recognize that I live away from my home reservation now, but being here has allowed me to learn about the other tribes in the state through individuals I've met, clubs, and jobs.

# data[].attributes.body
Education has allowed me to access travel. I've been to India, Italy, Hawai‘i, Mexico, Australia, Puerto Rico, and Indonesia with the university which has opened my eyes to Indigenous populations of the world. Despite being separated by seas, I've found similarities amongst our practices and worldviews. I've also noticed similarities with the health disparities we face because of colonization. My advocacy for public health equity expands beyond North America.

# data[].attributes.headline
Power dynamics between self as researcher and community/participants

# data[].attributes.subject
Power dynamics between self as researcher and community/participants

# data[].attributes.body
Although I've grown up on the reservation, I have been living off the reservation for 13 years, which means I am disconnected from the current lived experiences of people back home. My experience is also specific to my area of the reservation because the reservation is so vast. Therefore, I need to step back, listen, and not assume I know the answer. This is the same approach I must take when working with any community. Furthermore, I have gone to college, an opportunity that not everyone can access. I need to ensure that I am not perceived as elitist or pretentious, and I must note how I speak, the language I'm using, and my body language. I'm a woman, so people of the same gender may feel comfortable talking with me, while others may not. I also only speak English, which can be a barrier depending on what community I am working with.

# data[].attributes.body
As a researcher, I will recognize that I do not know the answers. I am learning from the community, and therefore, must be respectful of stakeholders and participant's time, stories, and presence. Because people are entrusting us with their data and experiences, I will do my best to advocate for them through my voice and actions, and ensure that I am not misrepresenting my community partners. I will meet people where they are at, an do my best to educate when asked.