Diné College Graduate Student Earns Award at Annual Microbiology Conference
April 29, 2025
Flagstaff, Ariz. April 26, 2025. Diné College celebrates the outstanding achievement of Harrison Cayatineto, a graduate student from Hakim’s Lab at its Tuba City center, whose research was honored at the 64th annual American Society for Microbiology’s Arizona and Nevada Branches meeting.
The event, held on April 26 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz., brought together students, faculty, and researchers representing academic institutions across the region.
Cayatineto, alongside classmates Vanessa Chicharello, Karlene Piestewa, and Joyceline Greymountain, presented innovative research from Hakim’s Lab. Their work addressed topics ranging from the antibacterial properties of Yucca plant extracts, diabetes-related infections and foot care and role of beta HCG in cancer to the role of microRNAs in hepatitis C treatments.
Cayatineto’s research, focused on the role of microRNAs in hepatitis C treatments, earned him recognition as one of four recipients in the graduate poster category alongside peers from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.
This success highlights Diné College School of STEM’s dedication to providing Native students with opportunities that advance both their academic and professional aspirations. “I am so proud of my students and excited for their commitment to biomedical sciences and microbiology research,” said Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, professor of Biomedical Science and Chair of Life Sciences Programs at Diné College.
Dr. Hakim commended Cayatineto for his perseverance, sharing how his dedication overcomes the challenges of regularly traveling from his home in Crownpoint, N.M., to Tuba City, Ariz., a four-hour drive each way.
“You can see him working tirelessly until 11 p.m. to complete his research. He has already published two scholarly articles, with more on the way. Harrison’s success reflects the promise of Diné College’s MS Biology program, and I am eager to see the positive impacts our graduates will create for our community.”
Cayatineto will graduate this spring with a master’s degree and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Virology. His work, as well as the collaborative efforts of Hakim’s Lab, inspires students to explore biomedical sciences and microbiology research at Diné College.
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(Photo Courtesy: Hakim’s lab; L to R Karlene Piestewa, Harrison Cayatineto, Dr. Shazia T. Hakim, Joyceline Greymountain, and Alison Adison, Diné College Tuba City Learning Center Coordinator)
