Poster Presentations

Juniperus communis, a widely distributed species in the Cupressaceae family, is known for its ecological resilience, medicinal value, and cultural significance—especially among Indigenous communities like the Navajo. Despite its importance, little is known about the microbial life within its tissues. This study investigates fungal endophytes—microorganisms that live inside plants without causing harm—due to their potential roles in plant health, stress tolerance, and ecological function.

The research takes place near Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona, where healthy and unhealthy juniper trees were sampled to compare their microbial communities. Using a standardized protocol, tree stem samples were collected with sterilized borers and cultured on 50% Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) with and without antibiotics to isolate fungi. This project builds on previous research involving piñon and sagebrush ecosystems and extends that work into juniper habitats native to the Navajo Nation.

Beyond its scientific aims, the project honors the cultural importance of juniper in Navajo tradition, where it plays a role in healing, ceremony, and spiritual practices. Understanding the unseen microbial world inside these trees contributes to both ecological science and the preservation of culturally significant species.

By exploring endophytes, the research may reveal species useful in medicine, agriculture, or climate adaptation. This fusion of traditional ecological knowledge and microbiology supports conservation efforts and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, the study contributes to a greater understanding of the ecological systems that sustain both land and culture.

Background: As genetic technology advances, genetic testing will move into standard practice in the primary care setting. Genetic testing and return of results are complex topics that require input from Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) communities as policies are developed for implementation. Genetic counselors play a crucial role in implementing genetic testing in clinical setting and are in the right position to support ANAI communities during this change.

Methods: This secondary analysis was conducted on a study that employed a day and half long public deliberation with nineteen ANAI primary care patients to elicit value-laden views of genetic research, testing, and return of results. Large and small group discussion as well as voting exercises encouraged participants to share their views and critically consider genetic testing for the ANAI community.

Results: ANAI Participants emphasized the need for a balance between the potential for genetic testing and return of results to empower individuals and improve health with the potential to expose individuals and communities to privacy breaches of personal information, discrimination, and emotional harms. Participants also stressed the requirement for more in depth information during the informed consent process, including how their genetic information is being stored and who will ultimately have access to it.  

Conclusion: Public deliberation as a method was well received and elicited rich discussion on the complex topic of genetic testing and return of results. This information can be used to create recommendations for healthcare professionals to refer to while ordering and counseling about genetic testing to better serve ANAI communities.

In the Navajo Nation, stomach cancer incidence rates are significantly higher than the White population. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp), a bacterium known to infect the stomach lining, is a strong risk factor for stomach cancer. Studies have found Hp prevalence higher in Navajo adults than in the US population (58% vs. 27%). No clinical or public health studies have investigated the gut microbiota in Navajo people. This research uses stool samples and data from community-based Navajo adult participants from the Navajo Stomach Study to identify the gut microbial composition, investigate the impacts of Hp exposure on the gut microbiota and explore modifiable lifestyle factors correlated to gut microbiota.

Genomic DNA was extracted from 104 stool samples and sent to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s (FHCC) Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resources for library preparation and 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using the Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology 2 (QIIME 2) program within the FHCC standard analysis pipelines to compare the abundance of all bacterial groups and diversity analyses. Demographic, health, lifestyle, and environmental factors were also collected from participants through self-administered health and food questionnaires.

Navajo participants clustered into five distinct groupings. One of these groups is highly correlated with Hp-positive status and higher abundance of Prevotella and Faecalibacterium and a decrease in Bacteroides, consistent with previous findings. Further analyses will identify shifts in the gut microbiota for each grouping and determine differences in participant diet, age, and gender profiles.

Uranium mining was present all over the Navajo Nation from 1944 to 1986 because of the naturally occurring arsenic and uranium present on the land. Mines closed due to the declining market prices of Uranium in the 1980’s, resulting in abandoned mines not being cleaned up properly since the mining operations stopped. Quantifying Uranium, Arsenic and Lead concentrations in drinking water sources (unregulated wells and natural springs) in the Northern agency of the Navajo Nation is needed as these metals are related to increased risks in cancer. Metals were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and microbial community analysis was performed through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Detectable concentration levels of Arsenic and Uranium were found in the water sources. Microbial communities were evaluated to identify the relationships between the contents of metal contaminants and bacterial community structures.

Amphibians in the southwestern United States are experiencing significant population declines, a trend that is acutely observable on the Navajo Nation. Northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) are part of the endangered species list for the Navajo Nation. In addition to serving as a critical indicator species of ecosystem health, frogs hold deep cultural significance for many Indigenous communities, including the Diné (Navajo) people. To assess current amphibian assemblages and habitat suitability within their historical range, we employ non-invasive survey methods in the Chuska Mountains. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis of water samples detects target species and pathogens, supplemented by passive monitoring (visual encounter surveys, camera traps, and audio loggers) for a comprehensive assessment. We focus on three native amphibians: the Northern leopard frog, tiger salamander, and Western chorus frog, as well as three non-native species: American bullfrogs, virile crayfish, and quagga mussels. Pathogen screening includes chytrid fungus and Ranavirus, both major threats to amphibians. Sites with optimal water conditions, free from pathogens and invasive species, are considered for reintroduction efforts. Findings will be shared with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife to inform conservation strategies. In collaboration with Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), which manages five Northern leopard frog refuges, we aim to identify reintroduction sites for AZGFD’s populations. This study highlights the effectiveness of integrating eDNA with traditional methods in culturally sensitive contexts, offering a non-invasive toolset to assess amphibian populations and guide conservation efforts on tribal lands.

Introduction:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) or simply (TB) is a serious bacterial infection that mainly a?ects the lungs and is also on the verge of becoming resistant to antibiotics. Due to being a close relative, (M. smegmatis) is used as a surrogate model for studying TB due to being fast growth in a biosafety level 1 setting.
Research aim:
The aim of this research is to find new soil antibiotics for TB, while using M. smegmatis as a surrogate model and if high concentration of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) enhances antimicrobial activities.
Methods:
Soils were collected from three locations. The soil was mixed with DDH2O, and NaCl was measured. The mixture was diluted using the 5 fold serial dilution and was plated onto a R2A plate containing nystatin reagent. After overnight incubation, the soil bacteria were tested for antimicrobial properties using the patch plate assay and the identification of the bacteria was determined by gram staining.
Results:
4 bacteria showed antimicrobial activities against S. Aureus, and E. Coli. Gram stain demonstrated that most of the bacteria that have antimicrobial properties were mainly gram positive. Soil #3 out of the three locations had high concentrations of NaCl.
Conclusion:
The aim of this study was to see if the soil bacteria collected from the desert regions have the capability of inhibiting bacteria. The outcome of this research would benefit modern medicine in treating M. tuberculosis, while using M. smegmatis as a surrogate model.

Phragmites australis (common reed) is a wetland and riparian perennial grass with native and nonnative subspecies found throughout the United States. Native Phragmites (P. a. ssp. americanus) is ecologically and culturally important. It has practical and ceremonial functions for many southwestern U.S. Indigenous people and appears in the emergence stories of some. Invasive common reed (P. a. ssp. australis) is one of the most influential invasive species in wetlands and has resulted in loss of the native subspecies in some areas. Recent invasions have occurred in the western U.S. risking unique wetland habitats. The nonnative Phragmites has been documented upstream and downstream of the Glen and Grand Canyon region, but the level of invasion in that region is unknown. We identified subspecies using DNA extracted from plant tissue from locations (n=84) across the Colorado River corridor and in tributaries. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), which uses target DNA sequences for rapid identification, was used to determine each sample’s subspecies. Two stands of nonnative Phragmites were identified near the confluence of the Paria and Colorado Rivers and two in Arches National Park. All other stands were native Phragmites. Identification of nonnative Phragmites is essential in management of both native and nonnative stands. Potential management actions include mechanical removal and herbicide, which are expected to be developed and coordinated with Indigenous partners. This project seeks to further investigate genetic similarity between native Phragmites populations through microsatellite markers, which can determine genetic similarities based on small replicates of DNA.

Background: The Navajo Nation is reevaluating a moratorium on genetic research that was put in place in 2002. While the moratorium was instituted because of cultural concerns and a lack of genetic research policies, there is still limited empirical work assessing the perspectives of Navajo people and other stakeholders regarding genetic research.
Method: To address this gap, we conducted interviews with 47 individuals, who included community members, traditional healers, policy makers, students, clinicians, and researchers, to examine the perspectives of diverse Navajo community members living on and off the Navajo Nation.
Conclusions: We report results from thematic analysis of this project and show key recommendations on community engagement and data management. Further study is needed to understand the potential barriers, benefits, and ethical and cultural considerations from the Navajo people.

Biobanks are an important component in medical research, offering researchers many unique samples with which to conduct large-scale genomics research. That said, there is a significant limitation to current biobanks in that they tend to lack demographic diversity. There is an over-representation of individuals of European descent in biobanks (the CCPM Biobank reports 83%), which leads to skewed research results that may not be relevant to minority groups, given the nature of personalized medicine research. Increasing engagement in underrepresented populations is not a simple issue, however, as members of these populations have many specific concerns about participation relating to past research and medical abuses, ongoing disparities in healthcare access, and culturally specific concerns related to the storage and use of samples. The purpose of this mixed-method study is to engage existing CCPM Biobank participants from underrepresented communities and learn about their perspectives on bioethical issues related to biobank participation. To that end, the team conducted 6 focus groups with 23 total participants, with roughly 40% identifying as AIAN, 20% identifying as Black/African American, 20% identifying as Hispanic/Latino, and 20% identifying with multiple groups. Participants were asked open-ended questions about their experiences with and feelings on the biobank and engaged in a survey activity where they were asked to rank the importance of various types of personal genetic results that the biobank could potentially return. Analysis of the return of results survey activity and subsequent focus group discussion highlights participant priorities regarding biomedical research, which can be used to engage biobank participants in ethical and culturally sensitive ways.

Cultural concerns, the shortage of Diné (Navajo) scientists and scientists with cultural training to engage with Diné communities, and the need for rigorous policies on genetic research led to the establishment of a moratorium on genetic research within the Navajo Nation in 2002. A 2019 survey of Diné interest holders highlighted ongoing uncertainty about lifting the moratorium and underscored the need for further community consultation and education. Deliberative democratic engagement has been an effective approach for exploring Indigenous community values regarding genomic research. To assess perspectives on genetic research and inform future policy, we conducted a two-day virtual deliberation with 17 healthcare professionals associated with the Navajo Nation, including Diné (n = 15) and non-Diné (n = 2) deliberants. Deliberants varied in their knowledge of genetics (n = 5 reported knowing “a lot”; n = 12 “a little bit”), and a majority (n = 13) were aware of the moratorium. Two overarching themes, “life and history experiences” and “values,” emerged, reflecting how personal and professional backgrounds, alongside individual and collective standards, shaped deliberants’ views on genetic research and its practices. Subthemes within these categories offered deeper insights into their perspectives. Although deliberants expressed caution regarding exploratory genetic studies, there was interest in using genetic research to advance individualized healthcare. Deliberants’ concerns emphasized the need for a robust genetic research policy that prioritizes Diné culture, community interests, and the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation.

Pinyon trees (Pinus edulis) are native to the southwestern United States and play a vital role in both ecological systems and Indigenous cultures. However, recent years have seen a concerning decline in pinyon populations. This study investigates the fungal communities found in the bark of dead pinyon trees to determine if fungal endophytes may be contributing to this decline. Fourteen bark samples were collected, and fungi were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) before being subcultured to obtain pure strains. DNA was extracted using PrepMan Ultra Reagent, and the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene was amplified through qPCR. Products were visualized via 1% agarose gel electrophoresis and later sequenced by MRDNA. BLAST alignments using Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were used for identification. A total of 30 fungal isolates were obtained, with ITS gene amplification successful across all samples. Results indicated that Trichoderma species appeared most frequently, identified with 98.9% similarity. These findings suggest Trichoderma may be associated with pinyon tree decline. While further research is needed to confirm its role as a pathogen, this study highlights the potential impact of endophytic fungi on pinyon tree health and the need for continued monitoring and investigation.

Background: The Center for Disease control and prevention reports that Native Americans are more likely to get certain types of cancer as compared to non-Hispanic White people. The most common causes of cancer mortality among Navajo males were from prostate, colorectal, kidney, and stomach cancers. While, among Navajo females they were breast, colorectal, pancreatic and ovarian cancers. Findings from the Navajo Cancer Workshop demonstrated that from 2014-2018, the ten most diagnosed cancers (by counts) among the Navajo people were female breast, colorectal, kidney, prostate, uterine, stomach, thyroid, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver, and pancreas. Early detection by screening and prevention are fundamental ways to detect and fight against cancer. The Native American population also faces stigmatization, taboos, lack of access, and awareness. The insufficient data demonstrates the need for ways to expose certain cancers affecting this population. Research Goal(s): The goal was to complete a systemic review of cancer studies from Indigenous communities, particularly Navajo Nation, to find most prominent tumor/ cancer markers, their testing availability at local healthcare facilities, authenticity and their correlation with the levels of beta hCG (in blood serum) among Navajo Nation as a tumor/ cancer marker. Outcomes: Recognition and affordable cancer screenings could help in the reduction of cancer related deaths and illnesses. Checking HCG as a possibly low-cost diagnostic marker and response to treatment in patients with cancers, demonstrates the need for this kind of work at larger level.

Introduction: Problematic substance use (SU) disproportionately affects American Indian (AI) men, yet few evidence-based interventions exist. SU stigma and limited research contribute to this gap. An evaluation of the Azhe’é Bidziil (Strong Fathers) program revealed SU concerns among AI fathers, prompting action. In collaboration with AI communities, Hastiin Bidziil (Strong Man) was developed as a culturally adapted secondary prevention program to reduce SU among young AI men age 18-26 years. This paper outlines the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to developing the Hastiin Bidziil program for Diné (Navajo) communities.
Methods/Analysis: Using the ADAPT-ITT framework, adaptation activities were guided by a Community Research Council (CRC) and integrated two evidence-based interventions. Theater testing with CRC members and debrief sessions informed iterative revisions, resulting in three drafts of Hastiin Bidziil. Facilitators received training from CETA experts to ensure fidelity. Pre-testing of the intervention informed the final version of Hastiin Bidziil curriculum.
Results: The Hastiin Bidziil intervention is composed of a 6-lesson curriculum with 5-8 sessions, depending on individual needs, The control condition is 4 vehicle maintenance sessions. Both conditions are implemented by local facilitators with shared lived experiences. Primary outcomes is SU days over 14 days. Secondary outcomes include SU and mental health measures.
Discussion: CBPR is crucial as it empowers AI communities to have a voice in developing culturally relevant interventions that address substance use (SU) disparities. The Hastiin Bidziil intervention could support the broader adaptation and implementation of SU prevention programs across other tribal communities.

The Navajo Nation is reevaluating a moratorium on genetic research that was authorized in 2002. While the moratorium was instituted due to cultural concerns and the lack of a Navajo genetic research policy, there is limited empirical work assessing the perspectives of Diné (Navajo) and other interest holders regarding genetic research. To address this gap, this study examines the perspectives of research project leaders with protocols approved by the Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board (NNHRRB). An online survey was designed to gauge researchers’ interest in adding a genetic component to their protocol or future research if the moratorium were lifted, while also examining potential benefits, risks, and ethical considerations. Survey participants (n=36) included 27% Diné researchers and 73% non-Diné researchers, and 50% of researchers (n=18) collected human biospecimens (e.g., blood, tissue) as a part of their approved research projects. Our results show that if the moratorium on genetic research ended, 42% of researchers (n=15) would be unsure about adding a genetic component to their projects, while 31% (n=11) of researchers were interested. Participants were asked to rank ethical considerations related to five broad topics: community engagement; dissemination of results and data; privacy and rights; health, safety, and equity; and discrimination and mistrust. Participants indicated it was very important to “ensure that no research participants are harmed” and to “give presentations to the community,” whereas “sharing data with other researchers” was among lower importance. At this critical juncture in the Navajo Nation’s policies, we provide perspectives from the scientific workforce engaged in research with Diné for the broader community to consider.

American Indian (AI, Native) men face some of the most severe health disparities among all racial and ethnic groups, despite playing vital roles in family and child well-being. Yet, few community-based health interventions exist for men in rural AI communities. The Azhe’é Bidziil (Strong Fathers) pilot study addresses this gap by developing and implementing a culturally informed program to promote economic stability, positive parenting, and healthy relationships among Native fathers in three Diné (Navajo) communities.

Strong Fathers is a pre-post pilot study consisting of 12 weekly, group-based workshops for AI fathers and father figures. The sessions—developed collaboratively with a tribal working group—focused on parent-child communication, relationship building, and economic empowerment.

Key lessons emerged across five areas. Outreach emphasized the importance of community connections, word of mouth, and culturally resonant messaging. Recruitment benefited from flexible enrollment, strong local networks, and clear communication. Retention improved through consistent support, addressing transportation barriers, and incorporating traditional practices. Engagement increased with culturally respectful facilitation, current event discussions, and seating arrangements that encouraged sharing. Data collection was most effective when staff were cross-trained and forms were distributed with clear instructions and adequate time.

These findings suggest that culturally grounded programs can effectively address family dynamics and economic challenges. Embedding cultural practices within parenting interventions fosters resilience, supports cultural continuity, and strengthens Indigenous families.

E. coli and coliform are gram negative bacteria and that cause diarrhea, vomiting, and severe gastrointestinal disease. The experiment is finding the gram negative bacteria in water from different sites.

The Summer internship for INdigenous peoples in Genomics (SING) workshop trains participants in genomics and its associated ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) to empower Indigenous communities to engage with scientific research. Instruction in genetic frameworks occurs through classroom interactions, laboratory, and computational exercises that are led primarily by Indigenous instructors. Since 2011, SING USA has successfully completed ten workshops with over 150 alumni. We conducted focus groups and interviews with SING USA alumni and instructors over Zoom to understand how this program has impacted their knowledge of genomics and ELSI, the connections made among participants, and career trajectories. Thematic analysis of the focus group and interview transcripts identified a sense of community among Indigenous participants, community advocacy, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems as prominent themes. These results can guide continued development of SING USA and other community-specific instructional programs to promote individual career development and collective benefit.

Deliberation is a process of discussion and analysis of an issue within a community and with the community. Built upon democratic theory, this approach is designed to involve people, generate dialogue, and build mutual understanding. One recent deliberation program was conducted entirely online with community members and interested community partners discussing the future of genetic research on the Navajo Nation. To assess perspectives on genetic research and inform future policy, we conducted a two-day virtual deliberation with 17 healthcare professionals associated with the Navajo Nation, including Diné (n = 15) and non-Diné (n = 2) deliberants. This innovative program built on previous efforts at online deliberation, yet also represented a novel approach to engaging Diné people and community partners in a virtual deliberation during the COVID-19 pandemic. An important aspect of implementing and studying deliberation programs involves evaluating the deliberative event’s quality, which can help us identify what went well, what can be bolstered, and what needs to be changed in future efforts. In this project, we use normative frameworks of deliberation and quality of discourse to analyze the Navajo Nation virtual deliberation program. With this being the first deliberation in a series conducted with Navajo Nation community members, with two more being conducted in person at a later date, this analysis can also help yield insights to help improve deliberations done with the Navajo Nation and with Indigenous people in the future.