Diné College Celebrates First Three MS Graduates in Biology
16th December 2024
TSAILE, Ariz. – Diné College marked a historic milestone during the 2024 Fall Semester with the graduation of its first three Master of Science students in Biology.
The graduates, Neilroy Singer from Shiprock, Kaitlan James from Round Rock/Lukachukai, and Faylene Begay from Tuba City, have completed an intensive program that required both determination and endurance.
“These students have shown extraordinary commitment,” said Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Professor of Microbiology/Biomedical Sciences in the School of STEM. “From their first day of enrollment, they remain determined, traveled two to three times a week either to the Tuba City campus or in the field to collect their research samples, monitor the water treatment units and complete experiments; a demanding drive of two to three hours each way.
Their hard work, persistence, and enthusiasm have truly paid off.”
The student’s academic journey was rigorous, involving advanced laboratory techniques, field sampling, and data collection. Their efforts culminated in accomplished research projects that will hopefully be presented at the Navajo Nation Human Research and Review Board’s January meeting. Additionally, their theses will be submitted to ProQuest®, making their findings accessible to the public after copyright.
Dr. Hakim reflected on the challenges faced by the program’s inaugural cohort, emphasizing the logistical hurdles of coordinating resources and meeting deadlines. “Transportation and postal service is a big deal within Navajo Nation. There were timing and thesis processing issues. Juggling these while arranging the required materials, equipments and facilities was a huge task,” she said. “For the next cohort, we already have many things in place to ensure a smoother experience.”
Despite these challenges, Dr. Hakim expressed optimism about the program’s future and gratitude for the support that helped bring it to fruition. “We are new to this, learning every step of the way, but we are making the best of it,” she said. “Once again, thank you very much everyone at Diné College, for your tremendous support for our first three MS graduates. This is the first step in another exciting journey.”
This milestone represents a significant moment for Diné College as it motivates and prepares future cohorts of graduate students to contribute to science and their communities.
For more information on Diné College STEM program.
https://www.dinecollege.edu/academics/school-of-science-technology-engineering-and-math/
