Octaviana V. Trujillo

is founding chair and professor of the department of Applied Indigenous Studies at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and teaches courses on Tribal Nation Building. A former tribal leader, Dr. Trujillo is the Principal Investigator (community outreach) on the National Cancer Institute, U54- funded Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention. The major goal of this project is to alleviate the unequal burden of cancer among Native Americans of the Southwest through research, training and outreach programs that are collaborative with the communities they serve. Dr. Trujillo is also the NAU research, education and training co-director of the Center for American Indian Resilience (CAIR). CAIR NIH R25 is a partnership with University of Arizona, College of Public Health, to explore resiliency to reduce American Indian health disparities.

She has extensive experience in the field of education, health, social services, and cultural enhancement programs in conjunction with the communities themselves, the tribal government entities, and higher education institutions. Together with the National Council for Science and Environment and American Indian Higher Education Consortium she has partnered to develop and augment Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) faculty knowledge and skills in climate research, traditional ecological knowledge, and STEM student learning.

Professor Trujillo serves on several boards, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), Farmworker Justice; and the Global Diversity Foundation. She was appointed by President Obama to serve as a member to the Joint Public Advisory Committee for the governing Council of the Commission on Environmental Cooperation.

en_USEnglish