Jr. High Student Interns (Mentees 8 Positions)

Jr. High Student interns (Mentees 8 positions)

School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Tuba City Campus

Duty Schedule:

Commitment for 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday; 10 weeks summer & 10 weeks following Fall.

Summary/Objective of Position:

Students from Junior High Schools will be introduced to the cutting-edge science of biomedical sciences, they will develop a basic understanding of experimental design and scientific inquiry, complete a scientific experience to be presented through in person training, and learn the leadership skills by near peer mentoring. All "Mentees" will have the opportunity to work directly with Dine' College researchers and collaborating mentors. This unique opportunity provides an excellent learning experience where students come to grasp their education by the roots. A total of eight (08) Junior High School students will be selected to join the cohort, will receive financial support and training during 10 weeks of summer and10 weeks of following fall during each year of the project (2024-2028). Their success will be evaluated by tracking their progress toward research and career goals, by "Mentor Avatars" and Faculty mentors (project leads), and their ability to develop innovative projects along with their team members from Dine' College high schools and junior high schools.

Description if Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The "Mentees" (school students) will be trained in a number of technical and intercommunication skills including:

(i) Basic biomedical related techniques commonly use in laboratories (stainings, microscopy, cell counting, etc.)

(ii) MPN, API, Agar Art, cell culturing, microtomy, gel electrophoresis, Blast and PCR/RT-PCR.

(iii) Basic Optometry and eye glass assembly.

(iv) School students will develop their biomedical science related projects alongside their fellow cohort members.

(v) Will participate in community outreach at local schools, chapter houses, and Dine' College campuses.

(vi) Improve understanding of STEM education in biomedical sciences.

They will develop a well rounded understanding of scientific procedures and experimental design surrounding the biomedical and health science careers. These "Mentees" will be able to decide their career path as next generation of health scientists.

Last date for application submission is February 29, 2024 at 5:00pm MST.

P.S Mentees from Junior High School will also attend NIS-111 Foundation for Navajo Culture with no credits but knowledge.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experiences

Minimum:

Junior High School students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and interest in Biomedical Science/ Biology/ or Public Health Major.

Preferred:

Junior High School students with 3.5 GPA and interest in Biomedical or Health science or Allied Healthcare.

Knowledge:

Student must have love for medical or health science with background in biology, chemistry, Basic math and laboratory. Willing to work odd hours (weekends), outreach and public speaking/ presentations activities. Students much physically capable of conducting labor intensive work. The ability to lead the teams is a plus.

Skills:

Coordinates and participates in planned activities designed to complete the training. Learn to develop professional social interaction and intellectual stimulation about medical sciences, need of healthcare work force and willing to contribute positively through selective strategies. Clerical duties such as answering phones, writing memos, running errands, word documents, xeroxing, faxing, etc. Assist with creation of flyers, special events notice and help publicize events, presentations, outreach workshops. Other task as assigned by the project leads. Also help manage activities with the other team members, keep themselves involved and motivated to develop their own projects.

Abilities:

Mentees must display interpersonal communication skills through their day to day interaction with their fellow colleagues and team members, and assigned group of students. Show interest, self motivation and leadership qualities to help move planning discussion and training forward, and be able to work with peers in difficult/strenuous activities. Persistence, commitment to work and urge to learn new things are the key players for this position.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

Student must be able to lift over 50 lbs and willing to work flexible hours such as evening and weekends. Following appropriate work ethics, student "Mentees" must communicate with the project leads on event planning and implementation. And ready to make change in their communities.

Other Requirement(s):

Navajo speaking preferred but not required. AZ/NM driving license is a plus.