2023 Student Scholars
The American Indian Alaska Native Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) Caucus of the American
Public Health Association (APHA) encourages Indigenous students from across the country of
varying backgrounds to apply for the Margo Kerrigan Scholarship, an award named after the
AIANNH Caucus founder who was the first Native professional to serve on the APHA Governing Board and was an activist in Native Public Health matters.The award allows scholars full participation in the APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition.​
This year, 5 students were selected to receive the 2023 Margo Kerrigan Scholarship: Nina
Edwards (Alaska Native), Kassandra Eyre (Alaska Native), Cameron Smith (American Indian), Tre'
Harp (American Indian), and Jetney Vegas (Native Hawaiian). Students represented the University of Arizona, University of Alaska, University of North Dakota, Emory University, and University of Hawai'i. Two are current undergraduate students, two are PhD candidates, and one recently received their baccalaureate degree. The students came from various tribal backgrounds including Tlingit, Tsimshian, Inupiat, White Mountain Apache, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Native Hawai'ian.
Nina Edwards
Tlingit and Tsimshian Alaska Native
The opportunity to attend the American Public Health Association conference with the AIANNH Caucus under the Margo Karrigan scholarship was educational, validating, and rewarding. The first events of the conference were the caucus board and business meetings, which were helpful for getting to know people. As someone put it during introductions, it created a safe space in a large conference like APHA. Not only did those meetings make me feel more comfortable, but they also made me feel like Indigenous people were being included at APHA. For the rest of the conference, I saw AIANNH caucus members in various sessions, making me feel less alone as an Indigenous person.The high number of sessions offered at APHA was overwhelming. However, it also meant that I could always find a session that piqued my interest. One of my favorite sessions, outside of those organized by the caucus, was about adolescent health and wellness. I work with Alaska Native youth, so learning about initiatives and studies that are concerned about this age group was helpful. Some of the lecture topics included COVID-19 vaccination consent, an app with accessible sexual and reproductive health information, and perception of body size. Many of the studies used publicly available databases that might help me in my own work. APHA is a great place to familiarize yourself with the resources and language spoken in the public health field.Another one of my favorite parts of the conference was the poster sessions. All presenters were very friendly and excited to discuss their research. It’s a different experience, discussing research topics, now that I have practical experience under my belt. There is more opportunity to use findings and ideas to help my community because I can draw comparisons and connections. I noticed a health equity focus among the selected posters, which was great to see. The diversity of topics, locations, and people made the session incredibly informative and engaging.The people I met in the AIANNH caucus made me feel welcomed and valued as a young person. The board truly embodies the values of humility and compassion, and I’m proud to know them. My fellow scholars were also amazing, and I’m so excited to see all that they do in the future. Thank you to those who helped donate and organize this fantastic opportunity. Gunalchéesh.
Kassandra Eyre
Inupiat, Village of Kotzebue
University of Alaska Anchorage, Undergraduate Student, Nursing
The most impactful action we can take is to become sovereign in our health. Our own people must care for us and we must take our place at the table on all levels, from participation in our own care to positions of influence concerning our health. This conference was full of information surrounding public health matters. Our Elders provided so much knowledge for us to carry into our purpose. The Executive Board Meeting and Strategic Planning Session provided information on how the caucus works and how to get involved with the caucus, and there were endless opportunities to learn at every turn.
When entering the conference center, attendees are greeted with endless options for furthering their knowledge base. For me, the most impactful options were directly tied to health issues that affect our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Our people are the heart of my desire to serve. The second most impactful were the poster sessions. The poster sessions were small-scale presentations that provided information in a manner that was easy to absorb. These poster sessions gave a direct and simplified explanation of the projects, and I enjoyed these poster sessions because they gave the information in a format that was absorbable for my learning style. At the caucus Board Meeting and Strategic Planning Session, I was inspired to become more involved with the caucus. The goals and opportunities that the caucus puts forth are relatable and applicable to our local communities and our national community. I was delighted to learn about the ways I could support the caucus all the way from Alaska. I also learned about the structure of the caucus and how it works. I also gained the desire to help fundraise for the caucus as well. I hope to help expand the attendance and presence at these meetings as much as possible. Our responsibility is to represent our people and to make our voices heard.
Hearing from our elders was an experience that I will never forget. They spoke from the heart and gave valuable insight into the work that has been done in the effort to empower our people to take back our identity and traditions. The healing and power that came from the knowledge they shared was boundless. They brought us together and created a space where generational trauma was addressed and comfort was shared with everyone present. We need the presence of our elders to share our Indigenous ways and we need them to coach us on how to provide competent care with a culturally appropriate approach. When they speak, they share from the heart and give us what we need to hear, not what we ask to learn. In return, we need to honor our elders for sharing everything.
This whole event was empowering and inspiring. It opened my eyes to a greater responsibility towards our Indigenous population. This event provided culturally relevant information regarding public health issues in Indigenous environments, access to endless information, and a safe and uplifting space for cultural voices to be heard. It also highlights the need for Indigenous figures to take more space in health-centered positions. Attending this event has encouraged my desire to provide care for our Indigenous community through my endeavor to become a nurse in Alaska’s Native healthcare system and public health entities.
Cameron Smith
White Mountain Apache
University of North Dakota, Indigenous Health PhD Doctoral Candidate (2025)
I am incredibly grateful for the Margo Kerrigan Travel Scholarship. I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, for my first APHA conference. Since starting my academic journey and public health career, I have always wanted to attend the APHA conference, collaborate with Indigenous scholars, and learn from Indigenous organizations working within Indigenous communities. I had the opportunity to connect with other scholars, students, organizations, etc., and gain insightful knowledge and build connections.
I enjoyed attending each AIANNH Caucus session, attending the AIANNH Caucus meetings banquet, and having the opportunity to promote myself at AIANNH sessions by introducing myself in front of the group and letting everyone know who I am, my current profession, and my academic career. I was nervous to speak, but I realized the opportunity to connect and continue to build lifelong connections with the APHA AIANNH committee and new opportunities for my academic career and profession.
Attending the AIANNH Caucus inspired me and reminded me about the importance of public health, research, and giving back to the community. I also reflected on my dissertation and dissertation project and felt inspired by all the knowledge. I felt inspired and ready to change my dissertation project to focus on research and present my project at the APHA AIANNH Caucus. Part of my goal is to present at the AIANNH Caucus, promote my current work, and build more connections. I also plan to continue my connection with the AIANNH Caucus and potentially join as a committee member and continue my membership.
I am incredibly thankful for the Margo Kerrigan Travel Scholarship. I was able to attend my first APHA conference, develop lifelong connections, and connect with my cohort through the University of North Dakota – Indigenous Health Program. As a Ph.D. student, I also had the opportunity to represent UND, promote the program, and connect with my cohort and network. I am thankful for the amazing opportunity and look forward to future APHA conferences. I hope to apply for the scholarship next year or attend as a scholar through UND.
Tre Harp
Choctaw and Muscogee Creek
Emory University, Undergraduate Student, Human Health
I can not express how much my stint at the APHA has affected me in such a short time. Being able to work alongside other like-minded students, as well as, networking with other industry-leading scholars, has done a lot for my confidence when being in these large academic spaces. The time spent at APHA with the AIANNH caucus has given me many things to consider. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to meet more young Indigenous scholars and learn from my elders. Listening to the powerful statements at the Wisdom of the Elders event helped me clarify my understanding of health. My conversations with my elders about what it means to truly heal and be a healer have also touched me deeply. Seeing that I am not alone in working on the issues that persist in my communities has also reinvigorated my drive to be a conduit of care for all of my relatives.
The presence of Native health leaders at the APHA also helped ground me on the tasks and conversations that have happened and are continuing to this moment. Such as the work of continuing to make sure that Indigenous voices are being heard, and our values are reflected in these large academic settings and the role that we young students have in that effort. Watching the elders gave me an understanding of their work and helped me become better prepared for repairing the systemic harms and injustices that have been committed against our communities. I remembered these groundings as I was given the chance to explore the wider conference and traverse different areas of study. What truly stood out to me was the breadth and scope of views, knowledge, and specializations that I was able to experience over the week that will continue to help guide me as I continue on my path. I am grateful to have met and spoken with each of the members of the caucus present, and I plan to keep in touch as I am sure there is much more that I can learn.
Kahau (Jetney) Vegas
Native Hawaiian
University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Public Health PhD Doctoral Candidate
I attended the annual American Public Health Association (APHA) conference hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, this year. Despite my prolonged engagement in Public Health since my Master of Public Health (MPH) studies in 2015, this marked my first participation in the APHA conference. The conference proved to be an opportunity for personal and professional growth, opening doors to many opportunities. Engaging in diverse activities spanning school initiatives, community projects, and avenues for professional development, I found the experience enriching and transformative. A highlight of this year's conference was the honor of receiving the Margo Kerrigan Travel Scholarship.
At APHA, I actively participated in various events, including membership in the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Caucus. My involvement extended to thought-provoking discussions about promoting cultural values in data sovereignty and public health programming. Additionally, I contributed to a round table focused on the wisdom of the elders, further broadening my perspectives.
In another capacity, I presented two posters highlighting my Ph.D. program's research endeavors, providing a platform for disseminating knowledge and fostering meaningful exchanges with fellow scholars. These interactions strengthened my academic pursuits and served as conduits for establishing valuable connections with like-minded professionals who share commitments to advancing public health.
The narratives shared by others left an indelible mark on me to make a more profound impact on my Native Hawaiian community. The diverse and inspiring stories were powerful motivators, instilling a sense of purpose and determination to contribute meaningfully to community well-being.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about future participation in APHA conferences, fueled by the continued support of opportunities such as the Margo Kerrigan Travel Scholarship. Reflecting on this transformative experience, I extend mahalo for the chance to be part of this year's APHA conference. It has enriched my understanding of public health issues and ignited a renewed commitment to effecting positive change in my community.