University of Colorado Denver

A recent Institute of Medicine report suggests that the explicit inclusion of training and educational opportunities for racial/ethnic minorities in investigator-initiated research is essential to the elimination of health disparities. Yet despite recognition of the need to increase the pool of minority investigators, their representation among NIH-funded investigators remains low. For example, in 1999 the NIH supported 35,000 grants; among the PIs, only 9 were AI/AN. In 2002, these disparities remained, with AI/ANs as PIs of 53 RO1s (0.1% of total), 4 NIH Training Awards (0.2%), and 10 NIH Career Awards (0.3%).

 

Provide training and career development opportunities in the culturally appropriate investigation of AI/AN oral health issues, and increase the number of AI/AN investigators through intensive mentorship within the CAIANH and other educational and networking activities.

 

 

The Training and Career Development program will work in partnership with various levels of educational institutions (i.e., high school schools, undergraduates, dental students, post-doctoral). We intend to maximize opportunities for peer learning by ensuring that students at various stages in their educational careers will have occasion to interact with students at other levels.

Dr. Batliner heads the Training and Career Development program for CNOHR. He often speaks to AI high school and middle school children in Colorado and other states.  Through involvement in the Denver AI community, he works with other around town to identify promising AI students interested in research.

 

In response to the NIH/NIDCR Announcement of “ARRA” Recovery Act funds for “Administrative Supplements Providing Summer Research Experience for Students and Science Educators,” an administrative supplement was submitted and approved which funded the support of two summer dental students at the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) for 2009. The two summer dental students began their assignments in early June. Later the center was able to bring on two more students.  Their biographies are shown following:

 

Amanda Campbell is a Native woman of Cherokee and Yup’ik (Alaska native) descent. Amanda worked as a student research assistant for The Center for Native Oral Health Research (CNOHR).  Amanda graduated from the Post-Baccalaureate program at CU Denver in conjunction with the School of Dental Medicine.  Amanda, a member of the Scholar-Athlete Society while attending California Lutheran University, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  During her four years at California Lutheran University, Amanda played collegiate soccer, while also becoming the head coach of a Junior Varsity Soccer Team.  Becoming involved in her community, and becoming a leader has helped to pave the way for Amanda’s future. She continues to work as a caregiver, providing services for adults and children with a variety of special needs. Amanda will graduate from Dental School in 2013. Amanda plans to be involved in research and serve underrepresented minorities as a dental provider.

 

Kendra Velasquez, a female of Hispanic descent, grew up in Los Lunas, New Mexico.  She graduated third in her high school class then went on to attend the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) on an academic scholarship.  She graduated with High Honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.  During her senior year, Kendra received the distinguished award of “NMT Scholar” for making the honor roll every semester while attending the university.  During her years at NMT, Kendra was an active member of the Biological Honor Society, Tri-Beta.  She is the first in her family to earn a Bachelors degree and attend graduate school.  Kendra was a student research assistant at the Center for Native Oral Health Research (CNOHR).  She began attending the University of Colorado Denver School of Dental Medicine in the Fall 2009. After completing dental school in May of 2013, Kendra hopes to give back to her community by staying involved in research and moving back to New Mexico to practice in underserved areas around the state.

 

In 2010 Joaquin Gallegos and Kimberly Lind joined the CNOHR team as student workers.

Joaquin is from the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Pueblo of Santa Ana. He is currently a Public Health (BS) undergrad at the University of Colorado Denver and works as a student research assistant at the Center for Native Oral Health Research (CNOHR). He came to the Center by means of American Indian Student Services of UCD. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree Joaquin plans on continuing his journey of education in dental school. He has the strong desire to improve the lives of his People and community by providing quality and culturally respectful healthcare in a reservation or urban setting. He also wishes to be part of health policy that deals with American Indians and Alaska Natives. Joaquin is honored to be part of the oral health research projects and especially appreciates working “in the field.” He has come to further understand the importance of oral health and its relation to overall well being. Joaquin is also a delegate to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, credentialed under the Fourth World Center for the Study of Indigenous Law and Politics at UCD.  Joaquin, his sister Anjelica, and their parents spend their time between Colorado and New Mexico and enjoy family, spirituality, creating their artwork, film, and being involved in the Native community.

 

Kimberly Lind grew up in Tucson, Arizona. Kimberly is working as a graduate student research assistant for CNOHR. Kimberly just completed her Masters of Public Health degree and is starting a PhD in epidemiology in the fall. Kimberly graduated from the University of Arizona, Magna cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. During her time at the University of Arizona, Kimberly worked for Arizona Research Laboratories (ARL) division of Neural Systems, Memory and Aging at the Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute. In her senior year, she was a member of the research team recognized by the ARL Group Excellence Award for Research. Her primary interest is in aging research, specifically neurodegenerative disease and cognitive decline. More broadly, Kimberly is interested in any research that has the potential to improve quality of life. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the research and development of novel solutions to Public Health issues that impact quality of life.