Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Basket weaving materials on a table.
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The pathway from MPH to CHER

djb574 | May 1, 2024

In the world of public health, the journey from student to staff researcher often involves navigating through diverse experiences, mentorships, and opportunities. For Marissa Tutt and Chassity Begay, two students who completed the Master of Public Health – Indigenous Health (MPH–IH) emphasis at Northern Arizona University (NAU), their paths led them to the Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER), where they continue to advance health equity through their research… Read more
Marissa Tutt and Chassity Begay standing next to each other.

Welcome, Baby, Smile! NAU professor uses art to bridge Native healthcare gaps

Beck Thomas | February 21, 2024

Early childhood caries (ECC), defined as one or more decayed, missing, or filled teeth in a child under the age of six, can affect children of all populations and backgrounds. However, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) has highlighted a concerning trend: ECC are four times more prevalent among American Indian children than among white children. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to address this disparity… Read more
An illustration of a pregnant Hopi woman in a field of corn. Illustration by Bre Taylor for the Great Beginnings for Healthy Native Smiles research project.

Regents’ professor Julie Baldwin inducted into National Academy of Medicine

Beck Thomas | November 15, 2023

In October 2023, Dr. Julie Baldwin, founding and Executive Director of NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER), became one of the newest members inducted into the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM). NAM membership stands as one of the most prestigious accolades in health and medicine, acknowledging individuals who have shown exceptional professional accomplishments and strong dedication to service. … Read more
Julie Baldwin alongside her sons Nate and Nick Johnson, mother Jeanne Harding, daughter Isabella Johnson and husband Bill Johnson at the 2022 National Academy of Medicine Class Member Induction Ceremony.

Strength in diversity: The Indigenous heartbeat of health equity

Beck Thomas |

At the Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER), we’ve discovered that building trust is vital in conducting comprehensive research and upholding the integrity of our research center. As we embark on this journey toward a more inclusive approach to health equity, we’ve discovered one element that makes all the difference – the presence and participation of indigenous voices within our center… Read more

NAU advances cancer health equity in native communities with inter-tribal forum

Beck Thomas | November 14, 2023

In a milestone event, Northern Arizona University’s Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) convened their first-ever Arizona Inter-Tribal Cancer Health Equity Forum (AICHEF) on September 26, in Flagstaff. The forum hosted 40 attendees from various tribal nations and tribal-serving organizations across Arizona and built the platform for diverse voices to flow freely with the infusion of cancer health data and policy updates. … Read more
Two AICHEF participants gather to speak to each other on the topics they heard.