Diné College has developed a model program for training students in cancer and diabetes prevention research. Diné College believes that Native American students are more likely to develop an interest in cancer and diabetes prevention research if those interests are nurtured in a culturally supportive atmosphere. The intent of the research training program is twofold:
1). To provide health-related research training and research experiences to Native American students, and
2). To provide students with a firm grasp of the conceptual basis of traditional Native American life, particularly in the context of western academia.

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If you are a freshman or sophomore college student and have an interest in cancer and diabetes prevention research among Native Americans, this opportunity may be for you. The research program is conducted in a culturally supportive atmosphere where each student is encouraged to adopt a strong, multi-cultural approach to cancer and diabetes prevention research.
This 10-week program will help students to develop skills and interests in cancer and diabetes prevention research and participate first hand in community based, on-going research projects at Diné College and at other institutions on the Navajo Nation and in other Native communities. In recent years, the SREP has expanded nationally to include other tribal colleges, universities and community-based research programs in cancer and diabetes prevention. By expanding nationally, Diné College has formed stronger collaborative links with other tribal colleges and universities.

Stage I

3-weeks of intensive training at Diné College - Tsaile Campus, Arizona where the student will develop skills in research techniques. Topics such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and Research Methods will be taught.

Stage II

The student will be placed at a location at or close to his or her own community, in a cancer or diabetes prevention program where he or she will participate in a variety of ongoing cancer or diabetes prevention projects.

Stage III

At the conclusion of the program, the students will participate in a one-week session where experiences in cancer and diabetes prevention will be shared. Each student will analyze his or her data gathered during the 6 weeks of the Stage II placement, and will prepare a powerpoint presentation on that data.

While participating in the SREP, the student researcher will receive:

• A $3,000.00 stipend (distributed throughout the program)

During the 3-week training session at Diné College-Tsaile Campus, the student will receive the following:

• Room and Board
• Books and Materials
• 7 transferable credit hours (4 classroom credits and 3 practicum credits)
• All college fees and materials will be covered

Previous Intern Sites

Diné College - Shiprock, NM

Northern Navajo Medical Center - Shiprock, NM

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Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention - Albuquerque, NM

Native American Diabetes Program - Albuquerque, NM

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Zuni Ramah IHS Service Unit - Zuni, NM

Zuni Teen Health Center - Zuni, NM

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Navajo Division of Health - Window Rock, AZ

Sage Memorial Hospital - Ganado, AZ

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Whirling Thunder Wellness Center - Winnebago, NE

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Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center - Fairbanks, Alaska

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Western Human Nutrition Center/UC Davis - Davis, CA

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Fort Peck Community College Wellness Center - Poplar, MT

Dull Knife Memorial College - Lame Deer, MT

Blackfeet Early Renal Program - Browning, MT