Title: Institute Scholars
Location: Acoma PuebloIsleta PuebloLaguna Pueblo
All the work I do constantly inspires me to do more, be more I am constantly reminded of the strengths I bring as a Pueblo woman. I love public health because I feel that it allows me to serve not only American Indian/Alaskan Natives but all underserved minorities and to being equality to all
Biography
Lenora Waconda currently works as a Graduate Intern at the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center in Albuquerque, NM and is a cross country coach for the Notah Begay III Foundation. She is also in the process of obtaining her Master of Public Health Degree at the University of New Mexico. As a Cross country coach, she loves sharing her passion for running and being active with Pueblo youth. While working at AASTEC her research focuses on the concerning opioid epidemic in Indian Country as well as working to increase access to medication on southwest reservations.
Lenora received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Sociology from Arizona State University. In attending the Johns Hopkins Institute Introduction to American Indian Health Research Ethics, she hopes to continue to use the knowledge from the course and apply it to her core classes and practicum experience. She also plans to incorporate proper ethical measures in current and future research. In the upcoming years, Lenora plans to graduate with her MPH degree, start working as an epidemiologist and go on to either a DrPH program or MD program. Until then she will continue her role as a student and strive toward bettering herself as a professional. She is hopeful to be working in a role where she can serve Pueblo people and/or other tribes.