Presidential Postdoctoral Fellows
Jay is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He is currently a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow who is establishing an independent research group, focused on the evolutionary genetics of interactions between sacred Datura plants (Datura wrightii) and the specialist herbivores that can tolerate its chemical defenses, with the advice of Krystal Tsosie. By using a variety of omics techniques to study the relations between plants and animals in the Sonoran Desert, his research blends indigenous ways of viewing human-nature relationships with cutting-edge scientific techniques.
Leke Hutchins (Kanaka ‘Oiwi) is a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at ASU in the Tsosie Lab. He works to apply Indigenous Data Sovereignty frameworks to the community and molecular ecology fields. His research interests include agroforestry, insects, conservation biology, and agroecology.
Doctoral Students
Ruben is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Community Engagement Specialist for the Tsosie Lab For Indigenous Genomic Equity & Justice based at the Arizona State University. As a Community Engagement Specialist and Tohono O’odham Traditional Tribal member, Ruben will identify the bioethical landscape of Indigenous genomics research in the US, the challenges and opportunities in embedding community-engaged approaches in biomedical and genomics medicine research. He is currently a Ph.D. student in the school of Anthropology at Arizona State University. He is a traditional O’odham and continues to learn about his O’odham Himdag, language, philosophies, and songs from his Elders and mentors. Ruben endeavors to bring back narrations of O’odham Himdag, not only to enrich our communities but to better serve them.
Jocelyn belongs to the Binnizá people of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, and is a speaker of the Diidxazá language. Her academic background is rooted in Genomic Sciences and Philosophy of Science at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She has worked on linguistic human rights, access to health, analysis of epistemic injuctices and gender bias in medical practice, as well as the historic analysis of population genetics in Mexico. Jocelyn joined the Tsosie Lab in Fall 2024 as a Biology and Society PhD student under the mentorship of Dr. Krystal Tsosie and Dr. Breckett Sterner. She is interested in research on the governance of Indigenous Peoples’ genomic data, the laws and international treaties on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and how these policies intersect with scientific practice.
Jonathan joined the Tsosie Lab in Fall 2023 as a Biology and Society PhD student under the mentorship of Dr. Krystal Tsosie. Before joining the lab, he earned his Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology and Public Health Genetics) from the University of Michigan, worked for the Native BioData Consortium (Native Bio) as a Community Health Specialist and was promoted within NBDC as a Public Health Program Manager. His current research interests revolve around neurodiversity, Autism, brain organoid models, neurotics, and how these areas intersect with and potentially impact Indigenous communities.
Karina Hernandez-Hernandez (P’urhepecha) joined the Tsosie Lab in Fall 2024 as a Biology and Society PhD student under the mentorship of Dr. Krystal Tsosie. Her academic background is rooted in Molecular and Cellular Cancer Biology at California State University, Fresno. In which she focused both her Bachelors and Master’s research on the genomic and metabolic processes of hormone dependent cancers. Her current research interests include the intersection of social and genetic epidemiology. Specifically, how social determinants of health, systemic health inequities, policy and law influence Indigenous health data gaps seen in the genomics space. Her ultimate aim is to contribute to ethical equitable Indigenous led research, and support in fostering the next generation of Indigenous scientists.
Graduate Students
Caroline Pete (Diné/Navajo) is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University (ASU), studying Psychology and Neuroscience with a minor in Data Science. In the fall of 2024, she joined Dr. Krystal Tsosie’s lab as a member of ASU’s Public Health Technology Corps pilot program, and is currently working as a Data Intern for Indigidata 2025. Caroline is interested in using data science and statistical methods to address public health challenges and improve outcomes at the population level. She will graduate in May 2025 and continue her academic journey at ASU, where she will pursue a Master’s in Biostatistics to expand her expertise in data-driven health research.
Undergraduate Students
Emiliano is a highly motivated undergraduate research assistant here at the Tsosie lab. His current research involves a scoping review centering around an issue of ethical importance to Native communities. He is also associated with the Huijben Lab at ASU, researching evolutionary medicine and malaria. In previous semesters, he investigated the intersection between neuroscience and drug addiction at the Neisewander Lab at ASU. He will be graduating in May 2026 with a degree in Medical Microbiology with the goal of pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D.
Staff
Claire joined the Tsosie lab in Fall 2022 as an Undergraduate research Assistant and Administrative Aide. She graduated with Barrett Honors in Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell, and Developmental Biology) and Family & Human Development, with a minor in Counseling & Applied Psychology. Claire now works as the Research Program Coordinator for the lab, where she handles scheduling, finances, grant reporting, contributing to various research projects, and more. She is pursuing her Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), with research interests in epistemic injustice in health, equitable distribution of benefits, and social epidemiology.
Faculty
Graduates
Kai-Sé is a member of the Navajo Nation tribe from Preston Mesa, AZ near Tonalea, AZ. He recently graduated from ASU with a B.S. majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences. He is currently enrolled in ASU’s Genetic Counseling M.S. program. He is set on serving the Indigenous communities of the Southwest by carving a space for others like him in both academia and healthcare. He plans on furthering his education in either a Ph.D. or M.D. program to improve health outcomes for the Indigenous Communities of the Southwest.
Jonathan is a Ph.D. Student here at the Tsosie Lab, enrolled in the Biology and Society program at ASU. He intends to investigate Neurodiversity, including Autism, and what it looks like on Native American Reservations. Even more, his research will also include brain organoid models with early development and Indigenous Cell Lines. Jonathan has an M.P.H. in Public Health and Epidemiology and Public Health Genetics and has aspirations to help Indigenous peoples.
Undergraduates
Isabelle Fisher (Izzie) is a sophomore at ASU studying Biomedical Sciences and ultimately aspires to attend medical school. Isabelle loves her research work at Dr. Tsosie’s lab where she explores genetic insights that can benefit Indigenous communities. Particularly studying disease susceptibility, ancestral connections, and advancing medicine.
Claire is an undergraduate research assistant in the Tsosie Lab. Previously, she has helped organize IndigiData workshops for the Native BioData Consortium and moderated panels for ASU’s 2023 IDEAS symposium. Her current research involves scoping reviews around topics of importance to Native communities. She will be graduating from Barrett, the Honors College in May 2024 with degrees in Biological Sciences (Genetics) and Family & Human Development. Ultimately, she would love to build a career as a pediatric genetic counselor.
Emiliano is a highly motivated undergraduate research assistant here at the Tsosie lab. His current research involves a scoping review centering around an issue of ethical importance to Native communities. He is also associated with the Huijben Lab at ASU, researching evolutionary medicine and malaria. In previous semesters, he investigated the intersection between neuroscience and drug addiction at the Neisewander Lab at ASU. He will be graduating in May 2026 with a degree in Medical Microbiology with the goal of pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D.
Faculty
Krystal Tsosie (Diné/Navajo Nation), PhD, MPH, MA, is an Indigenous geneticist-bioethicist and Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. As an advocate for Indigenous genomic data sovereignty, she co-founded the first US Indigenous-led biobank, a 501c3 nonprofit research institution called the Native BioData Consortium.
Her research can be encapsulated in two main foci: Indigenous population genetics and bioethics. In particular, she focuses on bioethical engagement of Indigenous communities in genomics and data science to build trust. As a whole, her interest is in integrating genomic and data approaches to assess Indigenous variation contributing to health inequities. Read more @ASU.
Graduates
Ruben is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Community Engagement Specialist for the Tsosie Lab For Indigenous Genomic Equity & Justice based at the Arizona State University. As a Community Engagement Specialist and Tohono O’odham Traditional Tribal member, Ruben will identify the bioethical landscape of Indigenous genomics research in the US, the challenges and opportunities in embedding community-engaged approaches in biomedical and genomics medicine research. He is currently a Ph.D. student in the school of Anthropology at Arizona State University. He is a traditional O’odham and continues to learn about his O’odham Himdag, language, philosophies, and songs from his Elders and mentors. Ruben endeavors to bring back narrations of O’odham Himdag, not only to enrich our communities but to better serve them.
Kai-Sé is a member of the Navajo Nation tribe from Preston Mesa, AZ near Tonalea, AZ. He recently graduated from ASU with a B.S. majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences. He is currently enrolled in ASU’s Genetic Counseling M.S. program. He is set on serving the Indigenous communities of the Southwest by carving a space for others like him in both academia and healthcare. He plans on furthering his education in either a Ph.D. or M.D. program to improve health outcomes for the Indigenous Communities of the Southwest.
Jonathan is a Ph.D. Student here at the Tsosie Lab, enrolled in the Biology and Society program at ASU. He intends to investigate Neurodiversity, including Autism, and what it looks like on Native American Reservations. Even more, his research will also include brain organoid models with early development and Indigenous Cell Lines. Jonathan has an M.P.H. in Public Health and Epidemiology and Public Health Genetics and has aspirations to help Indigenous peoples.
Undergraduates
Isabelle Fisher (Izzie) is a sophomore at ASU studying Biomedical Sciences and ultimately aspires to attend medical school. Isabelle loves her research work at Dr. Tsosie’s lab where she explores genetic insights that can benefit Indigenous communities. Particularly studying disease susceptibility, ancestral connections, and advancing medicine.
Claire is an undergraduate research assistant in the Tsosie Lab. Previously, she has helped organize IndigiData workshops for the Native BioData Consortium and moderated panels for ASU’s 2023 IDEAS symposium. Her current research involves scoping reviews around topics of importance to Native communities. She will be graduating from Barrett, the Honors College in May 2024 with degrees in Biological Sciences (Genetics) and Family & Human Development. Ultimately, she would love to build a career as a pediatric genetic counselor.
Emiliano is a highly motivated undergraduate research assistant here at the Tsosie lab. His current research involves a scoping review centering around an issue of ethical importance to Native communities. He is also associated with the Huijben Lab at ASU, researching evolutionary medicine and malaria. In previous semesters, he investigated the intersection between neuroscience and drug addiction at the Neisewander Lab at ASU. He will be graduating in May 2026 with a degree in Medical Microbiology with the goal of pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D.
Faculty
Krystal Tsosie (Diné/Navajo Nation), PhD, MPH, MA, is an Indigenous geneticist-bioethicist and Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. As an advocate for Indigenous genomic data sovereignty, she co-founded the first US Indigenous-led biobank, a 501c3 nonprofit research institution called the Native BioData Consortium.
Her research can be encapsulated in two main foci: Indigenous population genetics and bioethics. In particular, she focuses on bioethical engagement of Indigenous communities in genomics and data science to build trust. As a whole, her interest is in integrating genomic and data approaches to assess Indigenous variation contributing to health inequities. Read more @ASU.