Although not enrolled in classes during the Summer 2024 term, Cameron University sociology major Camille Lena continued her studies after being selected to participate in the Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar (THESIS). The eight-week virtual internship program focuses on promoting tribal public health and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. As part of the Lewis Scholars Program, THESIS operates under the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) in Oklahoma City.
During the internship program, Lena studied Native American culture and resilience, as well as various aspects of public health, including epidemiology and research. During the intensive internship, Lena was mentored by Dr. Emily Burke and Miranda Bosse from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). The program culminated with the creation of a research poster which Lena presented at the Lewis Ferguson CDC Showcase in Atlanta at the end of July.
Lena’s research poster was titled “American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Master Public Health Graduates Needed to Bridge the Gap in Tribal Public Health Inequities.” Lena examined health inequities that impact American Indian and Alaska Native populations, asserting, “Providing equitable and effective healthcare for diverse patient groups in public health requires cultural competence among healthcare providers” and suggesting that “increasing diversity among graduates and faculty, particularly in the Master Public Health institutes such as ASPPH, we can work towards creating a workforce that more accurately reflects the population it serves.”
Following extensive research and analysis, Lena concluded, “This research calls for collaborative efforts from educational institutions, policymaker and tribal communities to overcome barriers and promote AI/AN success in public health education and practice.”
After enrolling at CU, Lena’s passion for helping people led her to the field of sociology. During her studies, she learned research concepts to uncover the hindrances of the issues people have faced in contemporary society. Lena learned about the SPTHB-THESIS program through an email from CU’s Student Enrichment Center (SEC).
“As a Native American, this research opportunity caught my interest, and I ventured into the public health field,” she says. “Pursuing this new path, I was helped by CU faculty and staff members. Isabella Myers in the SEC assisted me with resume building for the application process. Elizabeth Hansen from Student Support Services conducted a mock interview for the future interview into the program. Through this process, I gained confidence, achieved my goal, and was selected for the internship.
“The SPTHB-THESIS Program was an educational opportunity that encouraged me to succeed in public health research. This program uplifted my confidence and gave me the tools to present a scientific poster to the CDC in Atlanta, Ga. I was able to network and meet people from many backgrounds and cultures. Through this experience, I was around many driven people with the same goal in mind: public health. This summer was spent learning and experiencing my true potential. I thank the THESIS program and staff for this great opportunity and am encouraged to keep moving forward in my career.”
After completing a bachelor’s degree at CU, Lena plans to pursue a graduate degree and launch a career in helping the Native American community. “I want to uncover our community's issues and create new ways to resolve them by using research and discovery. Through this internship, I have learned to reach for bigger dreams and goals and how to overcome fear when approaching future endeavors.”
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