Public Health Student Advances Women’s Health Research Through Native American Internship
Kyra Long, a Public Health major at the University of Arizona, shares her experience researching the genetic causes of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency through the Native American Research Internship at the University of Utah. Her work, presented at the national SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference, reflects the growing influence of Indigenous researchers to advance women’s and community health.
"Yáʼátʼééh/Hello, my name is Kyra Long, and I am Diné from the Navajo Nation. I am currently a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Arizona, majoring in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Promotion.
In the summer of 2025, I participated in the Native American Research Internship (NARI) at the University of Utah, where I conducted research in women’s health. Under the mentorship of my research advisor, I developed a project titled “Potential Genetic Causation for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).” POI is a condition that affects women under the age of 40 and is characterized by the loss of oocytes and the presence of amenorrhea. While approximately 30% of POI cases have been attributed to known causes, the remaining 70% remain unexplained. This knowledge gap led me to hypothesize that the undiagnosed cases of POI may be associated with genetic variants in both known and novel genes.
I prepared an abstract based on my research and submitted it to the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). I was honored to be invited to present my work at the SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference in Columbus, Ohio. With generous support from the Dean’s Annual Fund through the College of Public Health and NARI, I was able to attend and present my findings.
Presenting at SACNAS was an invaluable experience. Being surrounded by scholars and professionals with shared cultural backgrounds and goals fostered a profound sense of community and belonging. I attended sessions that focused on Native American research methodologies, ideologies, and health initiatives, all of which deepened my commitment to advancing public health within Native communities. Presenting my research and receiving constructive feedback was both rewarding and instrumental in refining my academic and professional skills.
Overall, this experience significantly influenced my educational and career aspirations. It strengthened my passion for health equity and inspired me to continue pursuing research that benefits Indigenous populations. Ahéʼhéé/Thank you to both NARI and the College of Public Health community for their guidance and support in making this opportunity possible."
