Title: Institute Scholars
Location: Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas
I applied to the program because my spirit needs to connect with other Native nerds focused on public health. Like our ancestors, were up against powerful forces. Being in spaces like the JH Winter Institute is not only academically challenging, but it provides ample opportunity to build meaningful and bonded relationships with our colleagues. This is crucial particularly for those of us operating in primarily white institutions. The Winter Institute at JH was the first academic space that I could bring my full self to table.
Biography
Crystal Wabnum is studying towards an MPH in Public Health Administration and Policy at the University of Minnesota. An enrolled tribal member of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas and of Mexican descent, she was born and raised in Topeka, KS, and is affiliated with the Prairie Band Potawatomi and Cherokee Nations. Wabnum is a Johns Hopkins San Manuel Scholar, a Southern California Cohort Member of the UCLA Minority Training Program in Cancer Disparities Research, and a recipient of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Scholarship. Wabnums current work focuses on assessing systemic racism in healthcare settings.