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.

James is a co-researcher on the project for novel HPV vaccine development using self-assembling peptides. They are a student of biomedical science and Spanish modern language.

Savannah is a sophomore completing her bachelor's in biomedical sciences with a pre-medical focus. She is now beginning research on synthesizing and characterizing 100 ml cultures of MS2 SCD virus-like particles (VLPs) at high yield.

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.

Dr. Charley is a Postdoctoral Fellow at NAU. She earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Utah (2024). Her research focuses on HPV and cervical cancer in Native American communities in the Southwest region in collaboration with partners at the UA and Medstar Medical Institute. She also works with the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention.

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 and a BS in Applied Indigenous Studies.

Elizabeth's current research focuses on synthesizing peptides through solid-phase peptide synthesis to display haptens onto virus-like particles. She is now expanding her work into conjugation chemistry, assisting on a project aimed at developing a vaccine to treat methamphetamine addiction. She is completing a BS in Chemistry with a Health Preprofessional emphasis plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience.

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.

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

Marinca is developing virus-like particles in for multivalent display of silver nanoclusters as potent antimicrobials. Prior to joining our Research Group, Marinca work with Dr. Christopher Kitalong, on nudivirus infection in coconut-rhinoceros beetles. She is student of biology and biomedicine.

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.

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.