Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
The Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy brings together scientific collaborators, Indigenous knowledge holders, and community leaders to eliminate health disparities and cultivate health and wellness with Indigenous communities. These efforts are grounded in the principles of community-based participatory research and traditional Indigenous worldviews that emphasize equity, co-learning, and the interconnected and holistic nature of the health.
The Center builds upon and extends the mission of Oklahoma State University to improve the health of Oklahoma’s most underserved populations. The Center efforts are focused in three primary areas:
- Reconnection – the recognition and strengthening of Indigenous knowledge and practices that foster wellness
- Education – the provision of pipeline programs that are culturally-grounded as well as scientifically rigorous to develop the next generation of health sciences professionals working with Indigenous communities
- Training – the development of cross-cultural and equitable learning opportunities that bring university and community partners together to address training needs within both settings so as to foster long-term, collaborative and co-learning relationships between Indigenous Nations and Oklahoma State University
Faculty and Staff
Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan
Professor, Rural HealthExecutive Director, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
Tori Taniguchi
Data Director and Research Epidemiologist, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
Tvli Jacob
Dissemination and Implementation Director, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
Stephanie Plante-Burks
Research Coordinator, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
Kaylee Clyma
Research Assistant, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
Kristina Gabriel
Research Assistant, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
Samantha Crewse
Grants Manager, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
Susanna Lopez
Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy
U.S. News & World Report
2022 Best Graduate Schools
No. 10 in Rural Care
No. 7 in Health Professional Shortage Area
