Spring/Summer 2024
NW NARCH NEWS
NPAIHB www.npaihb.org
Dr. Becker chats with Dr. Victoria Warren-Mears, Director of the NW Tribal Epidemiology Center.
Visit www.npaihb.org/nw-narch for application details.
BETWIXT TWO FIRS
Spring/ Summer | 2024
OUR PROGRAMS ARE WELCOMING NEW TRAINEES TO PORTLAND!
WHAT'S NEW?
NW NARCH is kicking off several programs in Portland this June. We expect 143 trainees will be attending various programs this summer. Following is a breakdown of our programs.
2024 NW NARCH TRAINEES
A quick glance at the number of participants in our 2024 programs.
AT A GLANCE
The above projects are sponsored by National Institute of Medical Sciences of the NIH Award Numbers S06GM141002 and S06GM145214 Native American Research Centers for Health | Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
IN
JOIN US
www.npaihb.org/nw-narch
Spring/Summer | 2024
Ashton Gatewood, Choctaw, Chickasaw Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at Cherokee Nation, MS-4; recently matched into Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa.
About your research project: Student Doctor Gatewood completed a Research Elective Rotation with PI Dr. Micah Hartwell during her fourth year of medical school. She was the first author of the study, "Comparing Self-Reported and Aggregated Racial Classification for American Indian/Alaska Native Youths in YRBSS: 2021" which was published with Dr. Hartwell and Amy Hendrix-Dicken (Cherokee) in the American Journal of Public Health in March of 2024. Key research findings: Only 17.7% of individuals who self-reported as AI/AN were classified as such in the calculated race-ethnicity variables used in YRBSS. This limited the overall representation of AI/AN in YRBSS to only 0.8%. Misclassification, non-collection, or the use of categories such as “other” and “multi-race” without allowing disaggregation can misrepresent disease burden, morbidity, and mortality. Consequently, it is critical to disaggregate data to adequately capture race/ethnicity in self-report surveys and data sources. This type of data misclassification affects policies, programs, and resource allocation, which may ultimately exacerbate health disparities. Next steps: I will continue examining racial classification strategies for transparency and accountability. Also, I will encourage national initiatives to include AI/AN leadership in the research process, disaggregate data, examine research findings to ensure that they are being used for tangible improvements and not to further stigma, and engage in tribal consultation when possible. To read more, visit https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307561
IN FOCUS
RESEARCH UPDATES
We are happy to celebrate the accomplishments of our NARCHies. Learn more about their research topics, results, and what's next.
Dr. Nicolette Teufel-Shone & Jennifer Hudson
Jonathan Credo, PhD, Navajo Medical Student, NAU Marc Emerson, PhD, Navajo Assistant Professor, Dept of Epidemiology University of North Carolina Drs. Credo and Emerson helped present the NW NARCH poster at the 2024 World Indigenous Cancer Conference. About TRCCFP: The NW NARCH Tribal Researchers' Cancer Control Fellowship Program (TRCCFP) seeks to increase the number of well-trained AI/AN cancer researchers who can bridge the gap between reserach and Native communities. Key findings: We have supported 169 Indigenous scholars from 1995-2004 and 53 AI/AN scholars from 2018-2024. We have awarded $558,759 in implementation funding in the last four years. NW NARCH trainees have given 134 conference presentations and published 96 peer-reviewed papers. Next steps: NW NARCH welcomes another cohort of TRCCFP trainees in June 2024.
To update us on your research, email Ashley Thomas, MPH athomas@npaihb.org
Click poster image to view pdf
About your research project: Bryer et al. (2023) describe the role of historical trauma and health-related behaviors among Two-Spirit and Indigenous lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (2S/LGBTQ+) Elders and how Indigenous Holistic Theory (IHT) and its guiding constructs could work to inform culturally responsive interventions for the study population. Key research findings: Applying the IHT framework to Indigenous 2S/LGBTQ+ Elder interventions could be an effective pathway for understanding the population while helping to inform more culturally responsive health promotion efforts that will lead to wellness in later life. Next steps: Chase plans to integrate these findings into his dissertation research, which is focused on Indigenous 2S/LGBTQ+ aging with HIV. Publication link: https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v3i4.11480
Jennifer Hudson, Diné (Navajo) Sr. Community Program Manager Northern Arizona University – Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) About your research project: The Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) at Northern Arizona University was established with funding by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to strengthen collaboration with and among Arizona tribal communities and institutions serving Native Americans in the southwest region to address cancer prevalence trends. C-NACHE employs four strategies to reduce Native American cancer risk in Arizona through: 1) facilitation of an action-oriented community advisory board (CAB) representing most of the Arizona Native Nations, 2)institutionalization of an annual Arizona Intertribal Cancer Health Equity Forum (AICHEF) to develop action steps to address common deficiencies in cancer screening and care, 3) development of a multi-modal communication and outreach campaign (i.e. website, newsletters, social media, and student-focused webinars) to share cancer resources and facilitate coalition-building among stakeholders and 4) community-requested and engaged research. Key research findings: The presentation at the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC) focused on outcomes of the CAB, the inaugural AICHEF event, and the multi-modal media efforts. Thus far, our CAB consists of 19 members which represent nine tribal nations and seven health organizations in the state, with the intention to increase representation to reflect the 22 Arizona tribal nations. As for our inaugural AICHEF event last September, we had a total of 40 attendees, which represented various tribal and healthcare serving entities. During this event, opportunities for discussion regarding cancer data and policy were encouraged and led to the development of four key takeaways; 1) Build data capacity and access at the tribal level, 2) Increase health services funding at all levels, 3) Increase Indigenous/Native political advocacy, and 4) Increase cancer screening initiatives via culturally responsive policies. Finally, regarding our media efforts, C-NACHE currently has a website, a blog, a Facebook page, a LinkedIn page, and a bi-monthly newsletter, all with the intention of sharing cancer resources and facilitating coalition-building among stakeholders. Next steps: Going forward into year 2 of our 4-year grant, next steps include facilitating an intertribal coalition that can identify shared priorities related to cancer care across the continuum, navigate and impact the landscape of health care resources available to Native Americans in Arizona, and support Native Nations and Native-serving entities in rural and urban areas to enhance cancer screening and care for their constituents.
NW Public Health Research Academy - Cohort 1 Ten Native youth representing five tribes in OR, WA, and ID successfully completed the 2023 Public Health Research Academy. Guided by community mentors, youth researched a topic of interest to them and their communities. Nine youth presented their work at a virtual Research Showcase on May 1. Groups employed a number of methods including surveys, interviews, photovoice to conduct their research. Topics included: Native First Foods - Focus on Salmon (Clarkston High School) Greenspace & Student Success (Heritage University) Water Issues (Madras High School) Vandalism & Littering (Nixya'awii Community School) Fentanyl Overdose Prevention (Clarkston High School)
Francine C. Gachupin, Jemez Pueblo Professor University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Department of Family & Community Medicine Project #1: About your research project: The American Indian Youth Wellness Initiative is a 6-month behavior intervention focused on youth and a primary caregiver to introduce healthy lifestyle following an established curriculum. The program includes a one-week residential camp that was originally started by Dr. Jennie Joe in 1991. The curriculum focuses on healthy eating, increasing physical activity and mental wellness all within a cultural context. To assess behavior change, surveys, biometric and anthropometric measures are completed. Key research findings: The program is well received by participants and valuable skills are learned which continue beyond the program. Youth learn about portion sizes, Choose MyPlate (half of plate should be fruits and vegetables), and 8-5-2-1-0 (8 hours of sleep per night, 5 fruits and vegetables per day, no more than 2 hours of screen time per day, 1 hour of physical activity per day, and no sugared beverages). Next steps: The program remains ongoing and preparations are in full swing for the program which commences on May 24, 2024. Learn more about the camp here: https://vimeo.com/906486129
C-NACHE CAB and staff(From left to right: Carol Goldtooth-Begay, Joyce Tovar, Nicolette Teufel-Shone, Monica Yellowhair, Ann Garcia, Tanya Riggs, Dana Doyle, Dana Russell, Rosemary Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson, Marissa Tutt, Carmenlita Chief, Curtis Briscoe, and Nicolas Beckett)
Birdie Wermy, S. Cheyenne Behavioral Health Project Manager NW Portland Area Indian Health Board About your research project: This project will focus on collecting information from our native elder population 55+ who are sole providers and are raising their grand and great grandchildren. I will gather information from our Delegates, native grandparents from the urban and rural areas in and around the greater Portland area. I will also recruit other Tribal members (55+) from staff I know at the Board. This project will include the experiences and attitudes and lived experience from our elder population. Key questions I am interested in answering: How are elders treated when they go in to the clinic to seek health care, mental health or behavioral health care for themselves or their grandchildren? Are they treated different? Do they feel seen and heard? Are they sacred? Key research findings: N/A Next steps: I am currently recruiting elders (55+) to participate in group discussions.
Selisha ‘Snowy’ Jonson (Crow, Flathead Salish, Kainai), Giselle Quiver (San Felipe Pueblo), Marian Patterson (White Mountain Apache), Cheyne Littlesun (Northern Cheyenne Nation) & her partner Moses Yellow Robe
C-NACHE Team: (From left to right: Taylor Lewis-Moore, Carmenlita Chief, Jani Ingram, Jennifer Hudson, Nicolas Beckett, Marissa Tutt, Winona Reid, Alyssa Begay, Dirk de Heer, Chesleigh Keene, Darold Joseph, Nicolette Teufel-Shone, Kelly Laurila, and Carol Goldtooth-Begay
I am currently entering my second year as a PhD Indigenous Health student at the University of North Dakota. I am a contractor with the Albuquerque Indian Health Board; specifically the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center. I work on several programs.
Marquis Yazzie, Diné (Navajo) PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant Department of Chemistry and Biochemistery University of Denver About your research project: My Master’s project characterized organic and inorganic analytes in snow made from reclaimed water at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort. The chemical composition in snow made from reclaimed wateris a concern because it desecrates the cultural value of the peaks for indigenous tribes and the chemical exposure from snow made from reclaimed water is unknown. Insight into the chemical composition can inform potential exposures from the snow made from reclaimed water. My current Ph.D. project focuses on the discovery of novel lanthanide-binding compounds produced by methylotrophic bacteria using a multi-omics approach. Novel lanthanide-binding compounds can be used for lanthanide mining cleanup or acquisition, which is important because lanthanides are in increasing in demand as raw materials for various modern technologies. Discovery of lanthanide binding compounds will involve traditional natural products workflows, such as inducing biosynthesis in bacterial nutrient limited environments, along with of the development of novel mass spectrometry-based metabolomics methods. Key research findings: Pharmaceuticals, metals, and metalloids were found to be elevated in snow made from reclaimed water compared to a natural snowfall control site. Nineteen pharmaceuticals including carbamazepine and lamotrigine were tentatively identified using non-targeted mass spectrometry. Eight metals and metalloids including chromium, arsenic and barium were also identified using targeted mass spectrometry. I presented these findings at the 2024 World Indigenous Cancer Conference in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. Next steps: For the snow research, I will verify the chemical identification of five pharmaceutical compounds that were elevated in snow made from reclaimed water using targeted mass spectrometry methods. In addition, the results of this study will be disseminated with community partners in the project. For my Ph.D. project, I will induce the biosynthesis of lanthanide binding compounds in a set of strains of methylobacteria and to identify the compounds using the novel metabolomics method. My focus on both basic and applied science will enable me to gain experience in using analytical chemistry to better understand environmental and biological health, which are aligned with my long-term career goals.
Chase Bryer, Chickasaw Nation of OK PhD candidate, Behavioral and Social Health Sciences Brown University School of Public Health
Project #2 About your research project: The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention is a program focused on building capacity to address cancer health disparities. The foci include training, mentorship, research project funding, and outreach and engagement to ensure respectful and mutually beneficial roles in partnership. Key research findings: The impact of NACP is noteworthy having funded 33 research projects (9 full, 20 pilot, 4 planning), trained 332 students, received 5 Supplements and 3 NIH F-mechanism awards, and published 117 peer reviewed manuscripts. NACP was honored with the opportunity to share NACP initiatives with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on March 8, 2022. Read more here. Next steps: Given that cancer remains the second leading cause of death among Native Americans, our work to continue to address cancer health disparities is ongoing. Project #3 About your research project: Native Elder Heart Mind Study Key research findings: This study was undertaken to provide a southwest urban American Indian Center with baseline data for their service population about economic hardship, health problems and social isolation. Next steps: An R01 is in preparation for a larger cohort study.
RESEARCH IN FOCUS
WRITING TIP
BEWARE: PREDATORY JOURNALS
Have you ever received an email from a journal promising to publish your work for a small fee? Maybe an editor promised you a quick turnaround from submission to publication. Chances are good that you’ve received an email from a predatory publisher or even submitted a paper to a predatory journal without even knowing it. As scholars and researchers, we must be careful not to fall prey to predatory publishers. Predatory publishing practices have increased, in part because of the rise of open access journals. While many open access journals are legitimgate, many are predatory. A 2021 study found that a well-respected database included over 300 questionable or predatory journals from 2015-2017. The database has since stopped publishing 65% of articles from those journals. A 2022 survey of medical students revealed that most were unaware of predatory publishing practices. Predatory journals are publications that use deceptive tactics to scam authors. The goal of predatory publishers is to make money. They charge for publication but do not adhere to scholarly communication best practices, such as thorough peer-review or editing services. For many scholars, publishing is the difference between success and failure. Scientists share their findings to advance their field and expand knowledge. The rise of open-access publications (legitimate publishers that aim to increase access for all) has allowed for predatory publishers to thrive. Predatory publishers know that scholars depend on publishing and are counting on this to scam authors for profit.
WHAT's THE BIG DEAL?
WHAT ARE THEY?
By: Grazia Cunningham, MPH
SPOT A PREDATORY JOURNAL
FUN FACT
Jeffrey Beall, a librarian, is credited with coining the term predatory journal. From 2012-2017, he maintained Beall's List, a blog that listed questionable journals or predatory journals. Although it is no longer updated, this blog is a good resource to reference.
Before you decide to avoid publishing all together, there are some things you can do to check if a journal is predatory. One of the simplest things to do is hover over the email address. An address not clearly from a specific web domain is a bad sign. Never click on links embedded in emails from unknown senders, including those who claim to be publishers. Next, check Google. What do you find? Are you taken to a website? What are your first impressions? Spelling errors, bad web design, or scanty information about editorial practices may be red flags. Does the website clearly list its article processing charges (APCs)? Is the publisher's contact information clearly listed? Other things you can do: Search the Directory of Open-Access Journals which carefully assesses journals for inclusion. Search MEDLINE for the journal Search the Journal of Citation Reports datbase for the journal's impact factor. Scan the journal's articles. Do the articles align with the scope of the journal (assuming the scope is published)? Check to see if the publisher is a member of reputable publishing associations like COPE or OASPA? Check with a librarian if you are part of a University. Ask your colleagues. Have they heard of the journal? While the rise of predatory journals is discouraging, legitimate journals are still the majority. Moreover, organizations are working to expose predatory publishers. Think. Check. Submit and MDAnderson's Journal Assessment website are great resources to have in your arsenal. Like much in life, deciding what is predatory may not be black and white. If you can't find the journal listed in databases or many reviews, it still may be okay. New journals are building their portfolios. But trust your instincts. With a little sleuthing of your own, you will be better equipped to assess the legitimacy of a journal next time you get a solicitation email. If you are a NARCH fellow or trainee and would like editing help, contact Grazia Cunningham.
I'm always excited to see the first blooms of spring. It means I'll soon be getting my hands dirty. I asked my NPAIHB colleagues about their thoughts on Spring. Here is what a few of us at NPAIHB are doing in our gardens now.
&
GROW
Ashley Thomas, MPH, Sr. Program Manager: Not just weeds! Every spring the weeds start sprouting out of the ground reminding us that winter has come to an end, and it is time for yard work. While I see all our neighbors putting on their sun hats and carting around their sheers and lawn mowers, I sit and debate whether the weeds deserve to stay. Should we just leave them alone? They are thriving, who am I to end it? So, this year I watched one, in particular, become enormous. I did end up taking it out of the ground, but not before I learned a little bit about it. The sow thistle has many medicinal uses: anti-inflammatory, sedative, muscle-relaxant, pain killing, antiseptic. It is a good treatment of kidney stones, fevers, hay fever, and high blood pressure. It is also highly nutritional. Sow thistle has twelve times more antioxidants than black tea. It is rich in essential fatty acids and minerals and nutrients like zinc, manganese, copper, iron, calcium and fiber. It’s traditional use as an ingredient in spring dishes eaten for health and vitality is supported by its high content of vitamins A, B, C and K. Per 100 grams, sow thistles contain between 30–60mg of vitamin C; smooth sow thistle has been shown to contain up to 800mg of vitamin A. In addition to weeds, my garden is brimming with clematis vines, peonies, and veggies. Fun Fact: my favorite weed is the dandelion!
Candice Jimenz, MPH (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), Chief of Staff: Our family planted heirloom maiz de Michoacan, Mexico -- we traded corn with friends who have kept their family's corn growing from their homelands. This will be our first growth of corn at our (new to us) home.
Genevieve McGeshick, (Sokaogon Chippewa Ojibwe), NW NARCH Project Coordinator: Right now, my mom & dad typically get the plants started indoors since its too cold to put them outside [in Wisconsin]. They have tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, hot peppers (Carolina reapers, jalapenos, poblanos), and snap peas. My mom also does herbs: mint, basil, rosemary & chives.
Grazia Cunningham, NW NARCH Project Manager: So far, I planted daisies, dahlias, lettuce, and herbs. I inherited my love of gardening from my Dad and passed it down to my daughter. Take a peek at my garden and her fairy garden.
Sunny Stone, Data Hub Outreach Manager, is busy with veggies! Sunny shared photos of some of her 200 tomato starts and of her son & husband practicing traditional land management.
Meena Patil, Biostatistician: I love late spring and early summer because I get to start working in my backyard, working on those flower beds and hanging flower baskets. We have three new fruit plant additions to our garden this year, two types of blueberries and an edible fig tree. I really love the vibrant colors of petunias so looking forward to their arrival in the market. I have four Arabian jasmine plants, two of them are with me for more than a decade…amazing right? They are a bit delicate and need additional care, but they offer beautiful fragrant white flowers during late summer. It is really worth going through all the trouble just to see them bloom and smell that fresh scent of these flowers. In my opinion, gardening and enjoying the garden beauties is a type of meditation and one of the best medications.
RENEW
NW NARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT NORTHWEST PORTLAND AREA INDIAN HEALTH BOARD
Visit the NPAIHB career page to check out current openings.
2024 AISES National Conference SACNAS Native American/Indigenous Programs
Financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students interested in population health sciences careers. Rolling deadline. Click below for more info or contact Ashley Thomas.
EXTERNAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
AISES Scholarships American Association for Cancer Research American Cancer Society American Indian College Fund Association of Schools for Public Health Fellowships & Internships Cancer Research Education Grants Program Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Engagement, Achievement, and Graduation for Low Income Students (EAGLES) Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health Native Forward Scholars Fund NIH Mentored Quantitative Research Career Award (K25) NIH Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) NIH Pathway to Independence (K99/R00) The Mercury Project The NCI Transition Career Development Award (K22)
Would you like us to share an opportunity in our next e-News? Send an email to Grazia at gcunningham@npaihb.org.
The Tribal Health Pathways Resource Guide for Native Youth is a new resource for Native youth and young adults interested in pursuing health/public health pathways.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES
Design by
NIGMS under Award Numbers 1S06GM141002, 5S06GM127164, 5S06GM123543, & S06GM145214. Native American Research Centers for Health Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Grazia Cunningham, MPH NW NARCH Project Manager gcunningham@npaihb.org
CONTACT us
Ashley Thomas, MPH NW NARCH Senior Program Manager athomas@npaihb.org
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