Institute for Indigenous Studies (IIS)

The Institute for Indigenous Studies (IIS) partners and collaborates with Indigenous peoples, nations, communities, and organizations to improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere. Researchers work with Indigenous peoples, nations, communities, and organizations to identify and address the current health and education needs of Indigenous peoples using a multi-level socio-ecological framework and partners with tribal and community organizations, colleges, universities, and other academic institutions to develop culturally appropriate research methodologies and frameworks that can be used to address the health and education needs of Indigenous peoples.

The IIS is located in the College of Health Brodhead, 524 Brodhead Avenue.

Research and Community Outreach Areas

The Institute’s mission is to improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere:

  • Prevention and treatment of tobacco addiction 
  • Mental health and addiction
  • Environment and health 
  • Obesity, weight loss, and diabetes
  • Maternal-child health 
  • Youth suicide prevention
  • Infant and child speech and language acquisition
  • Reservation youth college prep 
  • COVID-19 
  • Contemporary Indigenous identity
  • Grant writing and research training programs for Native community members
  • Cultural education programs for non-Natives

Funding

Institute for Indigenous Studies research is currently funded by the American Cancer Society, the National Institute for Drug Abuse, the National Science Foundation, the Office of Research, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and Graduate Studies at Lehigh University, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

IIS research has previously been funded by the American Lung Association, Environmental Protection Agency, the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Arts Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Notah Begay III Foundation, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

Faculty and Research Scientists

Justin Begaye, MSW, MPA
Research Scientist 2
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo

Abby Bryer
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Won Choi, PhD, MPH
Professor, Department of Community and Population Health; Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies; Interim Director, Institute for Indigenous Studies

Christine Makosky Daley, PhD, MA, SM
Professor, Department of Community and Population Health

Sean M. Daley, PhD, MA
Associate Professor, Department of Community and Population Health

Ryan Goeckner, MA, PhD Candidate
Adjunct Professor,
Senior Research Scientist

Jordyn A. Gunville, MPH, PhD Candidate
Senior Research Scientist
Tribal Affiliation: Cheyenne River Sioux

Caitlin Haas
Research Associate

Jason Hale, MA
Senior Research Scientist
Tribal Affiliation: Prairie Band Potawatomi

Charley Lewis, MPH, PhD Student (the University of Kansas)
Senior Research Scientist
Tribal Affiliation: Paiute/Navajo

Joseph Pacheco, PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Community and Population Health
Affiliation: Quechua/Cherokee

Luke Swimmer, MBA
Research Scientist 2
Tribal Affiliation: Eastern Band Cherokee

Affiliated Faculty and Staff

John Hughes, PhD, Associate Professor, Community and Population Health, College of Health

Sara Kangas, PhD, Associate Professor, Special Education, College of Education

Michelle LeMaster, PhD, Associate Professor, History, College of Arts and Sciences

Katelyn Lucas, PhD Candidate, Adjunct Instructor, English, College of Arts and Sciences 

Patricia Manz, PhD, Professor, School Psychology, College of Education

Thomas McAndrew, PhD, Assistant Professor, Community and Population Health, College of Health

Ashlee Simon, PhD Candidate, Instructor, English, College of Arts and Sciences 

IIS Related News

Red Dresses Raise Awareness of Violence Against Indigenous Women >

Learn more about the Institute for Indigenous Studies >

Reducing Health Disparities in Native Populations >

American Cancer Society Awards College of Health Institute for Indigenous Studies Nearly $1.8 Million >