Supporting the next generation of Tribal health researchers

Housed at the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (NWTEC), the Northwest Native American Research Center for Health (NW NARCH) program is part of a national research and science education program that includes input from tribes, Tribal organizations, and universities. Our main goal is to improve Tribal health by increasing the numbers of Tribal people who are engaged in biomedical and social science research and who can bring the benefits of academic research into their communities. We offer a number of opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native students and health professionals to strengthen their research skills.

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NW NARCH Programs

Through applied research guided by an Indigenous lens, our programs focus on data modernization and network building. Find one that fits you.

Summer Research Training Institute (SRTI)
An intensive training program for health professionals and students interested in Native health

Research Support Fellowship
This fellowship offers financial support for American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students engaged in biomedical or social science research. Fellows are paid on an hourly basis for work completed on a mentored research project.

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Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate fellows may work with a mentor from their home institution or request to work with a NW NARCH mentor on a current project.

Download Undergraduate Application

Graduate Students: Graduate students must be in the research phase of their program.

Download Graduate Application

Applied Biostatistics & Data Science
This two-year program includes two intensive course series in Portland, Oregon, regular virtual seminars, and a mentored capstone project tailored to each trainee’s research interests. Participants gain hands-on experience in study design, data collection and management, analytic preparation, and data visualization.

Public Health Research Academy
The Public Health Research Academy introduces American Indian/Alaska Native high school students to relatable public health topics and research methods. The program celebrates the idea that public health has always been part of Native ways of knowing. We are currently transitioning Academy lesson plans for wider distribution. Check back for updates.

Young Heroes
Young Heroes is a three-year pilot public health project designed to train Tribal 12-year-olds in first response skills and assess outcomes. NW NARCH will partner with three NPAIHB-affiliated Tribes to train three groups of twelve youth each year. Knowledge gained will shape next steps: securing additional funds to train more Young Heroes across Northwest Tribes. 

Tribal Interest Form

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