Clinic Systems Coordinator
American Indian Cancer Foundation
Minneapolis, MN

Background 

I grew up in Blaine, MN and recently moved back after completing my college career. I received my Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a Chemistry minor from NDSU in 2015. In the Fall of 2015, I entered the MPH program at NDSU, where I became well prepared for my current career. I gained invaluable experience through the courses I took and the practicum experience that was required for the program.

Specialization at NDSU 

I decided to specialize in Public Health in Clinical Systems, as I had planned to attend dental school after completing the program. I ended up loving public health so much that I decided to forgo dental school and work solely in the field of public health. In the future, I plan to pursue an American Indian Public Health certificate. 

How did the NDSU MPH prepare you for the workforce?

The NDSU MPH program prepared me for the public health workforce by creating a solid foundation of knowledge. The courses in the program are all relevant and extremely helpful to the work I am doing today. The professors and faculty within the program genuinely care about each student in the program, and are passionate about the work that they do. The curriculum provided me with the knowledge that public health organizations are seeking. The program has allowed me to feel comfortable and confident with the public health services that I provide to American Indian communities across the United States. 

Current position or academic pursuit

I am fortunate enough to be working at the American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) as the Clinic Systems Coordinator. I primarily work with the Clinic and Community Health Program, where the focus is on cancer prevention, education and screening. Within the role of Clinic Systems Coordinator, I spend time traveling to clinics around Minnesota and train medical providers and clinic staff about best practices for various cancer screenings. I have also been given the opportunity to coordinate an effort to increase HPV screening rates among American Indian adolescents. AICAF has given allowed me to pursue my dream job, which I could not have gotten without the NDSU MPH program.

How are you impacting the health of North Dakotans? 

AICAF is based in Minnesota, but is a national nonprofit that has worked with communities and organizations in North Dakota. As AICAF continues to grow and expand, I hope that we are able to partner with more communities and organizations to help eliminate the cancer burden in North Dakota