Detroit James

University of Arizona
Major: Learning, Literacy, & Leadership | Minor: Cancer Research
Undergraduate - Bachelor of Art
Certificate in Developmental Disabilities

I am a Senior at the University of Arizona pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Learning, Literacy, & Leadership. I aspire to obtain a Master’s Degree in Mild to Moderate Special Education after completion of my Bachelor’s degree, and ultimately apply to a doctoral program in public health. From my traditional background as a Dine student, I practice cultural healing, traditional ecological knowledge, and cultural awareness. My professional background in curriculum development, cancer research, environmental research, classroom instruction, community education, school counseling, policy research, and now developmental research, will impower my goals to enhance tribal education and healthcare. I first joined the UCEDD as a research assistant under Dr. Wendy Parent-Johnson and Dr. Francine Gachupin, working together in addressing the needs at Tohono O’odham Community College, a tribal college located on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Southern Arizona. The goal of the partnership is create policy, programs, and provide resources to bridge the gap between Native American students with disabilities to higher education.