Autumn Lester

Diné

Autumn, a proud member of the Navajo Nation, was born and raised in Many Farms, Arizona. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Northern Arizona University. Currently, Autumn is a post-baccalaureate researcher with the Diversity in Cancer Research program, funded by the American Cancer Society. She is also a recipient of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Diversity Supplement and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Applied Epidemiology at the University of Arizona. Her current research focuses on exploring biomarkers and health disparities among Arizona’s underrepresented populations, specifically in relation to diabetic wound healing and kidney cancer.

Additionally, she is an advocate for diversity in STEM and healthcare. Through the Writing and Research Indigenous Team Expanding Scholarship (WRITES), she contributes to publishing manuscripts that address health disparities in Indigenous communities and identify potential solutions. As an AzHOPE ambassador, she mentors undergraduate students on their journey into medicine. Her goal is to become an MD/PhD so she can fulfill her dream of working as a physician and continue her work as a scientist dedicated to addressing the health disparities faced by her people.

Education

• Northern Arizona University – Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Publications

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