Cathy Jamison
Power Words
Tribal Name
Yakima
Where were you born?
Richland, WA
What school did you attend?
Heritage University, Toppenish, WA
What gained you interest in the NIH?
I currently work at NIEHS, in Durham, NC
How can you help improve the composition of the STEM education pipeline for Native American students?
I have taught STEM in both an elementary and middle school classroom setting. My background is in Environmental Education, I have a MS in Science Education and am passionate about engaging students in their own learning thru science! Showing interrelationships of STEM, and even using it to develop and enhance literacy development.
What is your most important accomplishment to date?
At NIEHS I co-chair the Environmental Awareness and Advisory Committee- I lead the Earth Week project- and I am proud of how it brings together a wide variety of people to engage and education our employees about sustainable work that is on-going all year long.
How did you choose your career?
Passionate about environmental issues, and incorporating science into all the subject areas.
What types of community programs do you feel need to be more visible in Indian Country?
Again, sustainable education, citizen science, public health policy, and educating parents about how certain environmental factor impact unborn children, and early childhood development.
How can Tribal colleges build stronger partnerships with institutions like NIH?
Participate in NIH Summer Institute Programs.
What does success mean to you?
Completing what I said I would do, working with others to help them achieve, and at the end of the day, knowing I made a difference in what I accomplished with personal integrity.