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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.

Sage Liu
Public Health Student
“I first started with only a minor, but after taking one Public Health course I fell in love with the field and its potential to improve the health and well-being at a population scale. Something I really appreciate about Public Health is the emphasis on interdisciplinary connections, integrating every aspect of a person's life to create a more holistic understanding of health.”

Priscilla Nguyen
Public Health Alumnus
“After graduating, I hope to be admitted to an MD/MPH program and go into a trauma program. After working as a doctor, I want to work in the public health field in infectious diseases and eventually make my way back to a university to teach.”

Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH
Dean & Professor
“We lead with both cutting-edge science and deep community commitments. Our faculty, students, and alumni are finding new approaches to chronic disease prevention, community public health preparedness, family wellness, and advocacy for public health policy.”