People

		Dr. Michelle Jacob - Faculty Fellow in Sociology and Director of the Center for Native American Health and Culture Dr. Jacob holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has been a college educator since 2003 and is a well-published researcher in the areas of health, culture and social justice for Native American people. Dr. Jacob is a member of the Yakama Nation.

		Dr. Jessica Black, Associate Director for the Center for Native Health & Culture, Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences. Dr. Black holds a Ph.D. in geological sciences from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Before joining Heritage, she was an adjunct professor and postdoctoral researcher for the University of Southern Florida in St. Petersburg, Florida.

		Julia Silberman is currently the Administrative Assistant for the Center for Native Health and Culture. She is involved in many aspects of the Center including research projects and event planning, as well as the day to day operations. She plans to further her education and career by attending classes at Heritage University in the near future.

		Lupe Jimenez-Rios is currently a junior here at Heritage University. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. Lupe began as a student at Heritage University in the fall of 2009 and plans to implement the skill set she learned in the real world. Lupe is also currently a work study student for the Center for Native Health and Culture.

		Debra Whitefoot is a member of the Yakama Nation and has been attending Heritage University since 2008 and is currently a senior. Her major is Business Administration. Debra and her daughter, who is also attending Heritage University, will be the first in their family to graduate from college. Debra has served on the Yakama Reservation Leadership Program and is a McNair Scholar. She is current President of the Heritage University Native American Club known on campus as HUNAC. After graduation Debra plans to go on to graduate school for Tribal and Public Policy. Debra is currently working on her first research project with the Center for Native Health and Culture.