Cameron University student examines public health inequities at summer internship

Cameron University Sociology major Camille Lena participated in the Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar (THESIS) this summer. Her findings revealed health disparities impacting tribal populations.

The eight-week virtual internship program focused on promoting tribal public health and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, according to a press release. As part of the Lewis Scholars Program, THESIS operates under the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) in Oklahoma City.

During the program, Lena studied Native American culture and resilience along with various aspects of public health including epidemiology and research, the release said. Lena was mentored by Dr. Emily Burke and Miranda Bosse from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). The program ended with Lena presenting her research poster at the Lewis Ferguson CDC Showcase in Atlanta in late July.

Titled, “American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Master Public Health Graduates Needed to Bridge the Gap in Tribal Public Health Inequities,” Lena’s research poster examined health inequities that impact AI/AN populations, the release said.

“Providing equitable and effective healthcare for diverse patient groups in public health requires cultural competence among healthcare providers,” Lena said. “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.”

With extensive research and analysis, Lena concluded the 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.” the release said.

After enrolling at CU, Lena’s passion for helping people led her to Sociology, the release said. During her studies, she learned research concepts to uncover the barriers 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,” Lena said. “Pursuing this new path, I was helped by CU faculty and staff members. Isabella Meyers 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.”

Lena said the process helped her gain confidence while achieving her goal.

“Through this experience, Lena said she was around many driven people with the same goal in mind: public health.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Lena plans to pursue a graduate degree and launch a career in helping the Native American community.