Nevaeh is a first-year graduate student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She decided to attend a master’s program prior to applying to medical school because of her desire to further her understanding of physiology and to incorporate the “Exercise is Medicine” philosophy into her medical practice. Ultimately, she would like to one day serve Native athletes.

“I believe I can be a resource in the sports/athletics field for Native athletes seeking treatment and medical guidance when it comes to sports-related injuries and the subsequent impact on overall health.”

Nevaeh’s community health project is to design and distribute a nationwide, survey-based research project. The survey will be to characterize physical activity levels and modes of exercise in Native young adults and to determine whether Native young adults are meeting adequate physical activity levels as physical activity level is a key indicator for multiple health outcomes, which are more prevalent in Native populations such as cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and obesity.