Indigenous Communities Fellows
Meet past Indigenous Communities Fellows and explore how they partnered with Indigenous communities to support sovereignty, cultural preservation, and self-determined futures.
Brandy Atuatasi
- Class Year: Class of 2025
- Major: Psychology
- Tribal Affiliation: Samoan
- Fellowship Organization: Matada Research
- Fellowship Location: Auckland, New Zealand
“This experience transformed how I want to approach future research and has challenged my perspective on how diverse communities operate and interact in society. One of the greatest takeaways was my personal introduction to Pacific methodologies. For example, the Kakala Research Framework is a Tongan model that breaks down the process of conducting and sharing research so that it reflects the process of crafting a garland made of leaves and flowers”
Project Description: Brandy interned at Matada Research, an organization in Aotearoa, New Zealand that specializes in Pacific health and well-being research, consultation, and knowledge dissemination. During her internship. Brandy wrote a book chapter on museums and their impact on Pacific audiences across the country. She also wrote a journal article about Tobacco Control that summarizes research conducted by Matada on Pacific peoples' perceptions of vaping within their communities. She also led workshops with dozens of Pacific youth, ages 16-24, as part of a study that she designed to examine the impact of vaping amongst Pacific Islander youth.
Chazlyn Curley
- Class Year: Class of 2026
- Major: Human Biology
- Tribal Affiliation: Diné (Navajo Nation)
- Fellowship Organization: Navajo Nation Office of the First Lady
- Fellowship Location: Window Rock, AZ
“Like many other Native scholars, I know it is up to me to return home to give back to my people, no matter how difficult the journey is. My ancestors fought hard for me to be where I am now, and as a Diné woman, I give back for the past, present, and future generations. This internship has given me greater insight on the needs of my people, and I remain deeply inspired to return home and serve my people in any possible way.”
Project Description: Chazlyn interned for the Navajo Nation Office of the First Lady under the Nygren Administration. Through her fellowship experience, she was able to support community outreach efforts focused on the protection of Indigenous sovereignty for Navajo youth, elders, and land. Chazlyn also participated in policy development and on-the-ground advocacy work, in addition to supporting the creation of community events centered on important issues facing members of the Navajo Nation. With her expertise in Human Biology, Chazlyn also spearheaded advocacy efforts related to issues around health care equity.
Madeleine Kingsland
- Class Year: Class of 2025
- Major: M.S Community Health and Prevention Research
- Tribal Affiliation: Pala Band of Mission Indians
- Fellowship Organization: Pala Band of Mission Indians
- Fellowship Location: Pala, CA
“Coming from a STEM background with goals of medical school, having the summer to connect with kids in my home community fills me with passion every time. I often feel disconnected while away from school due to the distance, however, this experience allowed me to re-connect, re-center, and find motivation to continue working towards my goals.”
Project Description: Madeleine developed cultural programming focused on nutrition, mindfulness, and exercise for the Pala Youth Center. She created various projects that facilitated discussions about the relationships between our bodies and food. She also coordinated a seasonal fruit and vegetable table that was quickly implemented into the community food delivery service. Madeleine also had the opportunity to coordinate various art projects that connected students to community values and assisted with the development of a summer outdoor game series that included traditional sporting events.
