Amber Anderson

Title: Institute Scholars

Location: Cherokee Nation

Gadugi, a Cherokee concept denoting the importance of individuals coming together as one for the benefit of the community, has been a guiding principle in my life. Being raised in a traditional Cherokee family and community, this core value has led me to my passion of service through Public Health. In our culture, we believe that each member of society has a unique, vital role in contributing to the betterment of the community. It is my utmost desire to benefit tribal communities through upstream approaches of improving the health outcomes.

- Amber Anderson

Education

Amber Anderson received her MPH Degree from North Dakota State University focusing on American Indian Public Health and completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and American Indian Studies from Oklahoma State University. She has found out that through her years of educational, research, and professional experiences it has become evident that serving AI/AN is perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding career. In the future, she is anticipated to complete her PhD in the fall of 2020.

Biography

Amber Anderson is currently a Research Epidemiologist as well as a student in the Doctor of Philosophy program focusing on Health Promotion Sciences in American Indian Research Methodologies at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She primarily conducts research to develop culturally relevant methodologies and procedures for medical application and public health projects in partnership with Oklahoma tribes and tribal serving organizations. In attending her first institute course she was able to gain the skill sets needed to weave tribal traditions and indigenous wisdom into the linear nature of the western world.