Thesis Thursday-Alyssa Little

Greetings! My name is Alyssa Little and I am from Flagstaff, Arizona. I am a member of the Navajo Nation originating in Dilcon, Arizona. I am a senior studying Public Health with an emphasis in Health Education and Health Promotion at the University of Arizona. I am working with Dr. Harris on a public health epidemiological study in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health since January 2018. The epidemiological study pertains to investigating the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among selected Navajo communities in Northern Arizona as well as understanding the lifestyle habits of these communities, and their perceptions towards H. pylori infections. This study became of interest due to the high reports of stomach cancer among Navajo adults and knowing that H. pylori is a contributing factor for stomach cancer. I am so passionate about this project because it regards Native American health and wellbeing. With this project, I hope that we further understand H. pylori infections among Native Americans. During my down time, I enjoy watching different tv shows, instructing prenatal yoga classes, reading historical fiction, and going to historical landmarks.