Navajo youth exploring biomedical sciences through cultural connections
Official title: Convoy: A Cultural approach of Navajo Youth to Biomedical Sciences
Funded at Dine' College · NIH-10913303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping Navajo youth explore careers in healthcare by blending their traditional knowledge with modern science, offering fun activities and hands-on experiences to spark their interest in biomedical fields.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dine' College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tsaile, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $269,394 |
| NIH project number | 5R25GM150141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Navajo youth in junior high and high school who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the Navajo community or are not interested in biomedical sciences may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to connect Navajo youth with biomedical sciences by integrating traditional indigenous knowledge with modern scientific practices. It will create collaborative networks involving schools, community organizations, and higher education institutions to provide hands-on training and research experiences in healthcare. Students will participate in activities such as Science Cafés and Health Fairs, fostering their interest and skills in the biomedical field. The initiative seeks to empower these students to pursue careers in healthcare and related professions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance educational opportunities and career pathways for Navajo youth in the biomedical sciences.
How similar studies have gone: While there are few studies focusing specifically on integrating indigenous knowledge with biomedical education, similar collaborative educational approaches have shown promise in enhancing STEM learning in underserved communities.
Where this research is happening
-
Dine' College
Tsaile, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hakim, Shazia Tabassum — Dine' College
- Study coordinator: Hakim, Shazia Tabassum
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.