Title: American Indian Graduate Scholars Program
Location: Native HawaiianNavajo
I want to help us reclaim the meaning of Diné Bikéyah (home), and watch our children flourish there, preserving our tremendously beautiful culture. My grandfather passed away recently, but many of his teachings and memories remain etched in my heart. He talked at lengths about the beautiful reciprocity of our Mother Earth and human health. We must take care of her to take care of ourselves he stressed as he picked up trash from the roadways. His words, my mother’s sacrifice, my son’s future, my culture’s existence, and the world’s future generation inspire me to continue the pursuit of a career in Environmental Health.
Biography
Keana is currently a Scientist Fellow with the US Assistant Secretary for Health in the Office of Environmental Justice, where she applies her interdisciplinary public health expertise to address national environmental justice challenges. Her previous work spans from epidemiological science, developing infrastructure initiatives, shaping emergency response strategies, and engaging communities to co-create initiatives that revitalize and empower underserved areas. Her current work centers on creating strategies that address the intersection of environmental justice, health equity, and climate change. She focuses on community-based approaches and policy initiatives in disproportionately impacted communities, including tribal nations.
She holds an MSPH in Environmental Toxicology & Policy, and is currently pursuing her DrPH in Health Equity & Social Justice at Johns Hopkins. As a doctoral student, her research interests center on knowledge sharing and bridging Indigenous knowledge into broader environmental justice frameworks, climate adaptation and policy to advance health equity. Keana is also a Bloomberg American Health Initiative fellow, selected to focus on Environmental Challenges. She has received numerous awards from Johns Hopkins, including a 2022 Outstanding Graduate Award, a 2021 Community Service Award for Outstanding Alumni, and a 2021 induction into the Alpha Chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.