Justin Lund Named 2019 Graduate Student of the Year by American Indian Graduate Center
OU doctoral student Justin Lund was recently selected as the American Indian Graduate Center’s 2019 Graduate Student of the Year. Lund, a member of the Navajo Nation who will be eligible to graduate in May 2021 with his Ph.D. in anthropology, was chosen because of his commitment to education, leadership and service to his tribal communities.
“Being selected as the American Indian Graduate Center Graduate Student of the Year is a huge honor,” Lund said. “I know the pool of students I was compared to was amazing, and this recognition confirms that my goals of being a good community member, relative and scholar are all on the right track.”
Through anthropology, Lund believes he will be able to contribute to the Native American community in a meaningful way.
“American anthropology often has had a focus on Native American cultures and histories,” he said. “One of the biggest problems of the past was that Native Americans were used as research objects. It is paramount to the future of this field that Native Americans participate in the production of this knowledge. The future will see Native Nations participating in science in ways that are relevant and impactful to their own communities.”
Before pursuing his doctorate, Lund earned his bachelor of science in anthropology and a minor in global health from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in anthropology from OU. During his six years at OU, he has been involved in a variety of research projects, including the development of a microbiome to analyze how student stress might change the microbial communities in the participants’ gastrointestinal tracts over time.
Lund has been part of a research consortium of tribal partnerships since its formation – called the Center on the Ethics of Indigenous Genomics Research – which published several manuscripts on the use of deliberation methods to engage tribal communities across the nation to elicit Indigenous perspectives on genomics.
Justin Lund, Dr. Jessica Blanchard and Yarrow Vaara practice a DNA extraction protocol at a conference for Native students interested in genomics.
“The work completed with the Center on the Ethics of Indigenous Genomics Research is centered on community-based methods for research that work to represent and uplift Native voice,” he said.
Most recently, he assisted research scientist Dr. Jessica Blanchard in developing the Genetics and Ethics Program for Native American students at OU. The program helps to connect Native American students to Indigenous student groups, researchers, mentors and programs to facilitate their future professional success, while also engaging in topics meaningful to them.
“All of this work has taken me around the world to places I never imagined going and meeting people from all walks of life,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have had and to the American Indian Graduate Center for this honor.”
About the American Indian Graduate Center
Throughout its 50-year history, the American Indian Graduate Center has empowered over 16,000 students from over 500 Tribes in all 50 states by providing scholarship dollars and support services for undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. To learn more, visit aigcs.org.
By Mackenzie Scheer
Article Published: Wednesday, December 16, 2020