Jan Vasquez, MPH, CHES

Research Director
Pathways to American Indian & Alaska Native Wellness (PAAW)
Stanford School of Medicine
Palo Alto, CA

What is your background?

I was born and raised in San Jose, California and attended San Jose State University for my Bachelor’s degree in Health Science. After working in the American Indian community for several years I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Health with a Specialization in American Indian Public Health.

How did the NDSU MPH program prepare you for the workforce?

The NDSU MPH program provided me with tools and skills that I could apply immediately in the real world. Understanding how colonization and social determinants impact the health of American Indians, has guided my career goals toward research where I can make changes on local and national levels. As a result of American Indian Specialization courses such as research issues and cultural competence, I was able to integrate critical indigenous research concepts into the design of my current research projects. The guidance, expertise and support of MPH instructors gave me the confidence to work toward improving the health of American Indians at policy, systems and environmental levels.

What is your current position or academic pursuit?

PAAW is an eight-year Community Based Participatory Research partnership with Stanford School of Medicine and the American Indian Community Action Board (AICAB). The AICAB is made up of community members from Santa Clara Valley, CA, who meet monthly and guide all research activities.

PAAW’s goals include demonstrating effective models for improving health, reducing disparities and informing policy for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As a partnership, we value meaningful community engagement, primary prevention and wellness, and rigorous research methodology. We are committed to the sustainability of Health and Wellness programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives with a focus on addressing the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma.

As Research Director I serve in many roles including co-investigator, study coordinator, consortium core member and AICAB facilitator for several studies including a 3-year randomized control trial to compare a standard diabetes prevention program with one enhanced by the community. AICAB members were engaged at every phase of the project, including development of the research question, recruitment, implementation, data collection, and dissemination.” Jan is descended from the Mescalero Apache tribe.