Dr. Jerrel L. Yakel, a neuroscientist, heads the Ion Channel Physiology Group within the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in Research Triangle Park, NC. Overviews his academic career and his efforts to serve as a role model for Native American students. (LP)

Discusses how Ryneldi Becenti, star of the Arizona State women's team, struggles to balance the demands of major college basketball with Navajo cultural traditions. Describes the loyalty of her family and community and how Becenti has demonstrated that you can pursue your dreams and still come home. (LP)

Three Native Americans working in sports training, film making, and engineering discuss their thoughts on leadership. Each one defines leadership in terms of their own experiences, aspirations, and successes, but all three come to similar conclusions: community members must be willing to nurture leadership in young people by acting as role models…

Profiles 20 emerging young leaders in Indian Country, Hawaii, and Alaska, who have contributed to their indigenous communities in diverse ways, including educators; college students; tribal leaders and managers; businessmen; and professionals in law, archeology, and public health. Includes descriptions of accomplishments and educational background…

On the Yankton Reservation (South Dakota), Native American women have formed a sisterhood based on teachings of the traditional Brave Heart Society of the Ihanktonwan Dakota Nation. They have researched early women's societies and customs; acted as role models; and revived traditional values among young women through retreats, "learning…

Five Native Americans left high-paying business jobs to pursue Ph.D.s and become college business professors. The desire to become role models for other Native Americans, the chance to do meaningful work, getting paid to do research, and the desire for more freedom in their work lives are among the reasons given. Sidebars describe the PhD Project.…

A week-long program sponsored by the Association of American Indian Physicians brings American Indian high school students to Washington DC to introduce them to careers in health, biomedical research, and policy development. Visits with American Indian government agency personnel, congressional leaders, and physicians show students available…

Describes the Mayo Minority Scholars Program, which helps American Indian and other minority students become doctors, medical faculty, or biomedical researchers by matching them with appropriate mentors. Relates the authors' perspectives and experiences as mentor and student. Includes program and contact information. (JAT)

Electrical engineer Robert Whitman and microbiologist Gilbert John have pursued academic careers in order to advance their own research and serve as role models for Native American students. After receiving Ph.D.s, Whitman and John were appointed assistant professors at research-oriented universities. Sidebar addresses the role Native American…

Low numbers of Native Americans working in the health care field can be attributed to lack of Indian role models plus time and financial demands experienced by American Indian students. Indian health care professionals discuss reaching their career goals and the importance of increasing the number of American Indian health care workers. Overviews…