Dr. Lee is an Associate Professor at NAU whose work is focused on novel vaccine development. Her research is rooted within Indigenous health disparities; weaving together the fields of biochemistry, vaccinology, as well as education. Her recent research is a cultural investigation to the persistence of Native Americans in scientific fields.

TJ's is working on research of Native American cervical cancer health disparities through the lens of the vaginal microbiome whilst pursing an Interdisciplinary Health PhD. She was awarded Biochemistry BS by Fort Lewis College. TJ joined our Research Group after participating in NIH/NINDS Health Disparities in Tribal Communities Internship, JHU school of Medicine PREP scholar program, and Genomic Science & Leadership Initiative.

Caleb's research focuses on developing a therapeutic vaccine against methamphetamine addiction. Caleb conducts both manual and automated solid-phase peptide synthesis to develop peptides for conjugation with a methamphetamine hapten. Caleb is a chemistry student pursuing an ACS-certified biochemistry bachelor's degree on a pre-med track.

Andrina’s current research focuses on developing virus-like particles (VLPs), specifically synthesizing and purifying them to support vaccine conjugation for treating methamphetamine addiction. She is completing a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences on a pre-medical track.

Olivia is an undergraduate researcher working on peptide synthesis for a pancreatic cancer vaccine. She is majoring in ACS-certified chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry and minoring in biology. Her interests focus on applying chemistry to medical and pharmaceutical research, especially in developing new treatments. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry and hopes to work in pharmaceutical or medical research in the future.

Cynthia Solorzano is a junior at Northern Arizona University pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Psychology. She hopes to attend medical school so she can combine her love of science with compassionate patient care. Under the guidance of Dr. Lee, she works on developing HPV vaccine platforms using engineered virus-like particles. Alongside her lab research and plasmid design, Cynthia enjoys mentoring incoming students, presenting her research, and contributing to the Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) program.

Lukas is a second-year student in the honors college at Northern Arizona University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a certificate in Spanish for the Health Sciences. Outside of the lab, he is involved in Pre-Health clubs and he works as a Peer Mentor and a Math Jack. His goal is to pursue an MD-PhD and go on to be a doctor in emergency medicine or OB/GYN while conducting research on health disparities in minority groups and how to combat those disparities. During his undergraduate career, he plans to expand his knowledge of science and health disparities. He is also working to improve his lab techniques and skills to build a foundation of scientific inquiry in order to make the world a better place through science.

Dr. Charley received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico (UNM) in 2016. She earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Utah in 2024. At Northern Arizona University (NAU), she is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Naomi Lee’s lab. Her research focuses on Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer in Native American communities in the Southwest region. She collaborates with partners at the University of Arizona and Medstar Health Research Institute. Her work is supported by the Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) organization at NAU, which provides opportunities and support in cancer biomedical research. Within NACP, she serves as the Research Education Core (REC) and GUIDeS Program Coordinator. She is also a scholar and training champion (TC) with the Southwest Transformative Educational Advancement Mentoring Network (STEAM). This program supports graduate students to early-career investigators through research and educational activities, including webinars, travel scholarships, training, and networking opportunities.

Amaya's research focuses on peptide development in conjunction with the multivalent display of silver nanoclusters on a peptide-based scaffold. Amaya is now focused on practicing conjugations of peptides working towards conjugations with the silver nanoclusters. She is pursuing a BS in Chemistry with a health professional emphasis, BS in Applied Indigenous Studies, and BS in Biomedical Science.

Amber is a sophomore majoring in Public Health with a minor in Applied Indigenous Studies. She is from the Navajo Tribe and wants to help her community by bringing awareness about health disparities and prevention. Her project focuses on recruiting women through culturally sensitive social media campaigns, flyers, and community engagement, along with word of mouth. In addition, we are developing educational materials that highlight the vaccine’s safety, benefits, and the importance of cancer prevention.

Cynthia is a sophomore at Northern Arizona University pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science. She hopes to attend medical school so she can combine her love of science with compassionate patient care. Under the guidance of Dr. Lee, her goal is to develop skills in creating high-yield, high-purity MS2 double-modified plasmids, preparing samples for sequencing, and gaining confidence in analyzing sequencing data.

Claire is a senior pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Her work is focused on synthesizing, concentrating, purifying, and analyzing Qb and MS2 VLPs. She also works in a NAU Integrative Cardiopulmonary Physiology Lab, where she assists with clinical trials to analyze respiratory mechanics and other physiology pathways in a hypoxic environment. She is planning on pursuing a Master's degree in a Biotechnology-related field and hopes to work in research and development for pharmaceuticals, cancer diagnostics, or medical research.

Marcelo is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing two Bachelors of Science in Microbiology and Chemistry. He is working under Dr. Naomi Lee’s guidance to manually synthesize peptides and conduct further research. He plans to strengthen his lab skills and, after completing undergraduate studies, work conducting chemical genetics research while working towards a master’s degree.

Frank is a senior at Northern Arizona University. He is an ultramarathon runner and an avid rock climber who loves the outdoors. He works the graveyard shift as a technician in the Emergency Department at Northern Arizona Healthcare and has worked in the medical field for more than five years. He is passionate about science and the endless possibilities of research.

Max has been a co-researcher investigating conjugation techniques of Ag-nanoclusters to peptide fibrils with Ashley. This coming semester he will begin next stages of the project, including bacterial assays and testing bioactivity of various types of fibrils and species of nanocluster

Hazel’s research centers on the microbiological development of virus-like particles (VLPs), specifically in synthesizing and purifying to support the conjugation of pancreatic cancer vaccines. She is a Biomedical Science student with a pre-medical focus.

Beck is a sophomore pursuing a BS microbiology. His project focuses on finding a broader and cheaper vaccine for high-risk HPV viral strains, that disproportionally affect Native American populations. He uses PCR and aid in the synthesis of KAYAK, dmMS2, and pDSP62 MS2 VLPs. He dreams of becoming a medical Pathologist with a PhD in molecular biology.

Kayla is a sophomore at Northern Arizona University who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is from the Navajo Tribe and is currently focusing on creating culturally sensitive and accessible forms of HPV education. She is currently working on a text message based outreach program that aims to educate rural communities in Arizona about HPV and HPV vaccination. She's hoping to continue her education in medical school to specialize in thoracic surgery or neurosurgery.

Makia Faye Wilson is from Lók’aah Niteel, otherwise known as Ganado on the Navajo Reservation. Her clans are Kin Łichíi’nii (Red House), Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the-Water), Tsé Ńjíkiní (Honey Combed), Honágháahnii (One Walks Who Around). She is currently an undergraduate at Northern Arizona University majoring in Public Health and Biomedical Science with a minor in Indigenous Health Studies. She has a passion for healthcare and for helping her Native Community through advocacy and service. She has an interest in art, specifically painting or drawing, and loves any opportunity to be creative! She strives to utilize her skills to get into Medical School and be an example to show her siblings it is possible to achieve your goals if you work towards them!

Malia McHugh is a current junior at Northern Arizona University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a biology minor. She is an undergraduate researcher working on developing vaccines for people at risk of pancreatic cancer. She plans to work toward a Ph.D. in medicinal or organic chemistry and focus on pharmaceutical research in the future.