Meet The Team

Team Lead
Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim

Professor (Microbiology/ Biomedical Sciences)
AMT-certified Allied Healthcare Instructor
Program Lead BS Biomedical Science & CMA programs
ASM-MicroBio-LEAP Scholar (2024)
ASM-COMS Councillor for Arizona and Nevada Branch (2024) Member, the Genomic Data Science Network (GDSCN) Ph.D. (Microbiology),MS, MLT (Pakistan), SCCM(MLS), RM(CCM), VR(CMLTO), MLT/A(CSMLS), MLT/A (MLPAO) (Canada), TOC (QM), DTLS (BB), CRC(Citi-USA), AHI (AMT), SM(ASCP)i (in progress) (USA)

Meet Graduate Students (MS)

My name is Neilroy Singer. My mother’s clan is Many Hogan People, and my father’s clan is Yucca Fruit Clan. My maternal grandparent is Red Cheek Clan, and my paternal grandparent is Water’s Edge People Clan. I am currently the Environmental Scientist for the School of STEM-Water Is Life Grant, funded by the National Science Foundation. As a Grad-Student in the MS Biology program here at Diné College, supervised by Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, my thesis research is focused on water quality in specific areas on the Navajo Nation. My duties include microbial analysis of pre and post-filtration water at our test filtration units to maximize efficacy. Researching out in the field alongside different community members across our tribal lands, I find it fascinating to share their input, which guides us toward finding solutions together, thus resolving environmental issues close to home. Hobbies I enjoy include cooking, handyman work, weightlifting, attending NBA/NFL games, watching movies, and, above all, traveling! Upon completing my Master’s Program, I plan to utilize what I’ve learned by giving back to my community. I am considering pursuing my Ph.D. in water quality, the field in which I currently work. This may involve teaching someday here at Diné College or working in their research facilities. Regardless, I am committed to showing up, learning, and sharing each and every day.

My name is Harrison Cayatineto, and I am from Crownpoint, New Mexico. Currently, I work as a biology lab technician and research assistant for the Navajo Technical University biology program. My clans are Weaver, Water Edge, Towering House, and the Salt People clan. I earned my bachelor’s degrees in both Biology and Biomedical Science at Diné College and am now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Biology at Hakim’s Lab, Diné College, Tuba City Center. In my free time, I enjoy running, playing baseball, volleyball, reading, and hiking. My academic and professional goal is to continue my education and pursue a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Virology, focusing on studying viral structures, genomes, replication, and vaccine development. My primary focus is not only obtaining a Ph.D. and earning the title of Dr., but also to improve my laboratory, research, public speaking, and writing skills, ultimately making myself a better person. I aim to understand legal and ethical research practices and foster kindness and respect toward others. My secondary and final focus is to become possibly the first Navajo Virologist, as there are currently no Navajo virologists on the Navajo Nation. I aspire to show Navajo people that we can pursue advanced degrees and return as professors in virology, teaching the next generation of Navajo students and encouraging those who wish to follow a similar path. My goal is to educate students about viruses and their role in our ecosystem. Additionally, I aim to return to the Navajo Nation to mentor Navajo students, providing guidance and encouragement in their research lab work, writing, and communication skills, helping them achieve their goals.

My name is Faylene Begay. My clans are Ta'neeszahnii, Tó'aheedlíinii, Naakai Dine’, Tsé deeshgizhnii, and Kinyaa'áanii. I am originally from Howell Mesa, AZ, where my family and I were forcefully removed from the land. Currently, I am a student at Dine’ College, pursuing my master's degree in biology and seeking a BS in biomedical sciences as a minor. I earned my BA in Psychology previously. My hobbies include attending chapter meetings and advocating against hydrogen pipelines that could jeopardize water resources on Navajo land. Additionally, I teach my four children how to collect soil samples, take pictures of the landscape, document the weather, and obtain coordinates of longitude and latitude. We also participate in healthy activities such as marathons like Just Move It and Pat’s Run. For my research goals, I aim to develop bandages infused with sage and its chemical components to enhance healing processes in skin conditions common in Navajo lands. Looking ahead, I aspire to assist my community in strengthening mechanisms that will make a difference in Navajo societies, addressing historical traumas, and creating safe spaces for women and children. I envision establishing a treatment center utilizing traditional healing methods, providing simple Hogans for recovery, offering IV fluids for hydration and strength, and conducting ceremonies led by traditional healers to address mindset and depression. Furthermore, I intend to continue my education on the Navajo reservation to become a physician, physicist, chemist, neurologist, or medical microbiologist. Through this, I hope to impart to our younger generation the importance of education as a pathway forward.

Hello my name is Kaitlan James. My clans are Tòtsohnii (Big Water Clan) nishłį,Kinłichí’nii (Red House Clan) bάshishchíín, Tάchii’nii (Red Running into Water Clan) dashicheii, Áshᶖᶖhi (Salt People Clan) dashinάli. I am originally from Lukachukai,Arizona, but currently reside in Round Rock, Arizona which is a little community located on the Navajo Reservation. I graduated with my Bachelor's in Biology from Dine College in 2021, then in 2024 I graduated with my Master’s in Biology. I am currently working as a Research Assistant at Hakim’s lab advancing my research on soil bacteria hoping to provide new therapeutic options for infectious diseases and advanced healing/treatment methods. I am a mother of two, a boy and girl. During my free time, I enjoy traveling to rodeos with my family and engaging in fun activities with my kids. I love cooking/baking, so I like to be in the kitchen often trying out new recipes. Another thing I love to enjoy is learning and exploring the teachings and its purposes. My future plans is to pursue my Ph.D in Biology, publish more journals, and be the best role model to my kids. Also, to further my research and knowledge.

My name is Ian Tabaahi Nez, and I live in Pinon, Arizona. My clans are Tábaahí (Water’s Edge Clan), Tó tsohnii (Big Water Clan), Táchii’nii (Red Running into the Water Clan), and Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People Clan). I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology and am currently pursuing my Master of Biology from Diné College, conducting research on H. pylori infection and its association with gastric ulcers and source tracking at Hakim’s Lab on the Diné College Tuba City campus. I have always strived to do my best because I want the best for my family. I believe that anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard for it. In my spare time, I enjoy silversmithing with my father and learning his craft. When I’m not doing homework, you can often find me going for a long run to clear my head with fresh oxygen and good tunes. My parents are my motivation to work hard. Their love and support have helped me through many difficult times while maintaining a high GPA. They instilled in me the value of hard work and taught me that nothing in life comes easy. My future plans include continuing my research and pursuing my doctorate. I hope to secure scholarships to further expand my academic knowledge and skills while utilizing the experience gained as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

Yà'àt'ééh, she eí Karlene Piestewa yinishye. Ta'neeszahnii nishłí. Bilagaana bàshíshchíín. Tàchii'nii dashicheii. Honwungwa (Bear Clan-Hopi) dashinálí. To'nanees'dizi (Tuba City) Dee naashá. I am currently a master’s student in Biology at Diné College, working under the guidance of Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, who serves as my mentor. My research focuses on diabetic foot infections, specifically identifying the bacteria involved and exploring the use of raw honey as a potential treatment.

Yá’át’ééh, shí eí Vanessa Chicharello yiníshe. I am born for the Sleep Rock Clan People and born into the Towering House People Clan. My maternal grandfather’s clan is the Black Sheep People Clan and my paternal grandfather’s clan is the Red Running into Water Clan. I was born and raised in Mentmore, NM, where my parents still reside. I have three older brothers who all reside in Gallup and Albuquerque, NM. I have a BA in communication with a minor from the University of Arizona and a BS in biology wth a minor in chemistry from Northern Arizona University. I am a second-year graduate student at in Dr. Hakims lab at Tuba City. I reside in Flagstaff and commute to Tuba City for school and laboratory work. My research focuses on cancer biology, a path that reflects both my academic dedication and a deeply personal mission. Although cancer has long affected our communities, research and care efforts remain insufficient. As a first-generation graduate student and aspiring cancer researcher, I am committed to changing that reality by bringing knowledge, solutions, and awareness to Indian Country. My graduate studies are not only a personal achievement but also a commitment to my people. My thesis research focuses on investigating beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) as a tumor marker for cancer. Using blood serum to test for elevated β-hCG levels, my goal is to identify individuals at high risk and to develop a simple, easy-to-use screening kit. This work is aimed at increasing cancer awareness among healthcare providers and communities across the Navajo Nation, where healthcare access remains limited due to geographic, economic, and systemic barriers.

Hello, my name is Joyceline Greymountain, and I am a Graduate student within Dr. Hakim’s lab. I am of the Salt People Clan, born for the Mexican People Clan. My paternal grandfather is of the Red House People Clan and my paternal grandfather of the Tangled People Clan. My roots lie deep within Shiprock, NM and Coalmine, AZ. I am motivated individual and I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact within underserved communities through the innovations of teamwork, scientific research and the collaborations of our Dine Nation. I am currently researching and investigating Yucca Species across Navajo Nation.

My maternal (masani')clan is to'ahani-near the water. My paternal clan is ( Naluni' adzaan) -born for Oglala/ Sisseton Lakota. My maternal grandfather-Chei's clan is Bitaani"-Folded Arms Clan. My paternal grandfather is Naluni-Oglala/Sisseton Lakota. I was born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota and raised in the Navajo Nation by a single mother. I have two siblings. I reside in Halghato'- Halchita, Utah. I am currently a master of science student studying infectious diseases at Dine College. Since completing my bachelor of science degree in public health at Dine College, I have gained experience by working in different positions in the Navajo Nation. A few positions include: Support Technician for Lukachukai Community School, Case Manager for Utah Navajo Health System-Iina Bi' Ho'ah',and Sexually transmitted diseases and community health representative for the Navajo Department of Health. I want to work in the lab to help my people and assist in the prevention of infectious diseases.

Meet Graduate Students (MS) Team

Meet Honors Scholar Students

My name is Maya Begay, and I am from Dinnebito, Arizona. I am the Chiricahua Apache clan, born for the Manygoats clan. My maternal grandpa is the Mexican People clan, and my paternal grandpa is Red Running into the Water clan. I am currently enrolled at Diné College, where I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences while also participating in the Honors Scholar Program, which allows me to work toward my Master’s degree in Biology. Alongside my studies, I serve as the administrative assistant to Dr. Hakim, and I have worked alongside her as a lab assistant for the past two years. This experience has given me valuable skills in research, organization, and professional development. Outside of school, I am a proud mother to my son, Myles. We enjoy going on adventures, trying new things, and spending time with our family and animals. Watching him grow and learn has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. My future plans are to complete my degrees and continue into a Physician Assistant program. Throughout my journey, I have developed a strong passion for caring for people and giving back to my community. I hope to use my education and experiences to help improve the health and well-being of our people.

I’m Jeriah Boyd, currently a senior at Diné College pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biomedical Sciences while also enrolled as an honors scholar student in the Master of Biology program. Being a first-generation student, I've always been motivated and dedicated, particularly drawn to the fields of medicine and biology. Throughout my undergraduate journey, I've discovered therapeutic interests beyond academics, such as reading novels, baking, playing board games, and running. These activities provide me with a balance and contribute to my overall well-being. My studies have provided me with a robust foundation in the science of infectious diseases and medicine. I've had the opportunity to further my practical skills in clinical settings, fostering a deep understanding of how the human body functions in both health and illness. This exploration has solidified my aspiration to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, focusing on human health, diseases, and immunology. I am particularly passionate about promoting the prevention and understanding of various infectious diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. With my knowledge in biochemical functions, anatomical structures, epidemiology, and pharmacology, I aim to implement effective health strategies to minimize the spread and impact of infectious diseases in the Navajo community. I strongly believe that research in these areas can lead to significant advancements in preventive medicine and diagnosis, ultimately improving health outcomes for individuals. Just as I enjoy learning about science, I recognize the importance of creating a well-constructed workplace environment, which is essential for understanding the molecular level of science and fostering collaboration and innovation.

HERE IS MY RESUME

Hello, my name is Erin Cleveland. My clans are Kiss’aanii nishli, Tabaahi bashishchiin, Tabaahi daa shi’ nali, Ma’ii Deeshgiizhhnii daa shi’ cheii. I am from St. Michaels, AZ. I am a Dine College senior pursuing my BS degree in Biology and then onto the Master's Biology program. I pursued two associate degrees from Dine College in health occupation and public health. I am interested in the dental field and hope to get into dental school in Arizona. I am interested in becoming a dentist in orthodontics or general dentistry. While that is the ultimate dream to be accepted into dental school, I would want to finish my MS Biology first, to make me a strong candidate when applying for dental school in Arizona, possibly at Northern Arizona University. When I am completed with dental school, I would like to work here on the reservation, and possibly open up my own practice, and service the Navajo people. I do want to start out working at the local IHS hospital’s dental clinic. My hobbies are watching NBA and MLB games, traveling, spending time with family, reading, listening to music, and walking my dogs. This spring semester in one of my graduate level classes in NAS 513 Indigenous Research Methodology, my literature review project is compiled of 20 sources about Navajo tea, Navajo diet, Navajo health disparities, and turning it around to live a healthy life through the consumption of herbal tea. How I brought my STEM degree into the project through the sources I found on Navajo tea being contaminated by uranium and other highly toxic metals within the soil, and the dangers it causes to those who have been contaminated through drinking it. My project further dives into looking to reconnect the younger generations to their traditional ways of herbal teas, traditional foods, reconnecting to the land, reconnecting to the Navajo culture. To get the younger generation to turn to Navajo tea as an alternative drink

Meet Undergraduate Research Students Current

Meet Undergraduate Research Students (AS and BS) Team

Shí éí Tori Fulton yinishyé, Tł’áásh’chí’í nishłį́, ‘Ashįįhíí bashishchiin, Kinyaa’áanii dashicheii, Naakai dashinalí. Hello, my name is Tori Fulton and I am born to the red bottom people (mother’s clan) and salt people (father’s clan), my Cheii (maternal grandfather) is from the towering house people, and my Nali (paternal grandfather) is Mexican. I am currently an undergraduate senior who is majoring in Biomedical Science at Dine College at the Tuba City Campus. I am currently apart of NAU ITEP Water Resources and Land Management Internship working at the Dine College host site under Dr. Hakim's lab. I have also worked as an undergraduate research intern, assistant, and Convoy Mentor Avatar under Dr. Hakim's lab since 2021. Being a part of Dr. Hakim's lab has brought me many opportunities to become an applicable student for my future endeavors. It has given me a place to conduct water resource research and become a teaching mentor to other undergrads, high school students, and to continuously contribute to Hakim's lab team.

Hello, my name is Romeo Yellowhair, I am Manygoats clan born for Folded Arms Clan. In this way, I am from the Navajo Tribe. I come from Gap Arizona around the Echo Cliffs area. I currently attend Dine College at their Tuba City site working on my Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Sciences. This degree is what I am wanting to complete so I can continue my education in Pharmacy, which I have been interested in after I attained my Associate's of General Sciences previously.

Yá’át’ééh, Shí éí Diizhonia Stanley yinishyé, Tó dichííníí nishłį́, Kinłichííníí bashishchiin, Kinyaa’áanii dashicheii, dóó Kinyaa’áanii dashinalí. Tó Nanees Dizi dí Dee Nashsa. Hello, my name is Diizhonia Stanley. I am from Tuba City, Arizona, and a proud member of the Navajo Nation. I’m currently an undergraduate student majoring in biology at Diné College. I’m passionate about environmental science and animal health sciences, and I hope to use my education to protect ecosystems and improve animal well-being. Through Diné College, I have had the privilege of working under the mentorship of Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim. Through the CONVOY Program, I gained experience mentoring high school and junior high students through hands-on laboratory activities and college-level STEM coursework. This opportunity also allowed me to develop my own microbiology research projects, which I have presented at the AISES Conference and plan to share at future conferences. Currently, I am working with Diné College and Northern Arizona University through the ITEP Land and Water Internship. I look forward to growing as a scientist while contributing to research that gives back to Native communities. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim for her guidance, encouragement, and dedication to supporting students in achieving and succeeding in STEM.

Meet Undergraduate Research Students Former

Hello, my name is Matthew Begay. I am from Rocky Ridge, Arizona. I am 23 years old and have lived in Tuba City for the majority of my life. My first clan is Chishi, and I am born for the Manygoats clan. Currently, I'm enrolled at Dine College, working toward getting my associate's degree in pre-engineering, with an expected graduation date in spring of 2024. My plan after Dine College is to transfer to NAU to pursue my bachelor's degree in civil engineering. When I'm not immersed in my studies, I often indulge in playing my favorite video games and working on my 3D printers, designing various types of 3D models. Additionally, much of my free time is spent heading to the nearby lakes and rivers for fishing. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to learn a little about me and my goals for the near future. I am always eager to learn and explore new things.

I am Brandon Canyon from Dine College in Tuba City, Arizona, Navajo Nation. Navajo society is matrilineal, with clans passed down through the mother’s line. These clans form the social and cultural foundation of Navajo identity and influence various aspects of life, including ceremonies, governance, and relationships. My clan is Deerspring from my mother. My father is Mexican, my maternal grandfather's clan is Yucca Fruit, and my paternal grandfather is Irish. In this way, I am a Navajo male. I am happily married to my beautiful wife Jessica. We have five wonderfully brilliant children who keep us young and on our toes, making us blossom as human beings. I am passionate about family, school, and work. I have gained the knowledge and understanding of how to multitask and get anything accomplished. If plan A or plan B doesn’t work, there are still plans C through Z, a quote from my mother. I would best describe myself as an open and honest person who believes in helping others and tries to be fair in everything I do. In between family and pushing forward with my education in Biology, I am a licensed contractor, heavy equipment operator, truck driver, farmer, rancher, and biology researcher. I have completed multiple internships acquiring knowledge in DNA/PCR assessments in the context of climate change with pinyon pine (Pinus edulis), microbial water and soil sampling, air quality assessments, and phytoremediation research with the Dept. of Energy. I have also conducted Ant/Beatle phylum research in the southwest with Harvard University. My hobbies include hiking, fishing, hunting, cooking, drawing, photography, gardening, woodworking, metalworking, vehicle restoration, coaching little league baseball, taking adventures with my family, and ultimately enjoying Mother Nature and respecting all living beings of Mother Earth. At this stage in my life, my main goal is to gain hands-on experience and develop a strong foundation in biology. I am eager to learn and contribute to a team where I can utilize my skillset and continue to build upon them. I believe the purpose of our lives is to be happy. Thank you 😊

Meet Graduate Students (MS) Team

Administrative Assistant

I started at in April of 2025 with Dine College as the CONVOY Administrative Assistant. I have an AA Degree in Criminal Justice, I attended UOP for 2 years for Human Services & Psychology. In my past career I worked in Corrections & Rehabilitation for over 10 years as an officer then a Seargent. I've held and experienced many other work positions along the way. I returned to Tuba City in 2018 to help my son with his ranch and livestock.

Lisa Scott

liascott@dinecollege.edu

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