Mentor Avatars (4 Positions)

Mentor Avatars (4 Positions)

Biomedical Sciences Department

School of STEM

Tuba City Campus

Duty Schedule:

Commitment from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Monday to Thursday: 10 weeks summer & 10 weeks following Fall.

Summary/Objective of Position:

Students from Jr. High Schools will be introduced to the cutting-edge Science of Biomedical Sciences, they will develop a thorough understanding of experimental design and scientific inquiry, complete a scientific experience to be presented through in-person training, and learn leadership skills by near-peer mentoring. All "Mentees" will have the opportunity to work with Din College researchers and collaborating mentors. This unique opportunity provides an excellent learning experience where students come to grasp their education by their roots. A total of eight (8) Jr. High School students will be selected to join the cohort, and will receive financial support and training during 10 weeks of summer and 10 weeks of the following fall 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 Members (Project Leads), and their ability to develop innovative projects along with their team members from Din College, high schools, and junior high schools (Mentees).

Description of 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 list 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 essential functions.

The "Mentor Avatars" will be trained in a number of technical and intercommunication skills including:

• Basic biomedical-related techniques commonly used in laboratories (stainings, microscopy, cell counting, etc.)
• MPN, API, Agar Art, cell culturing, gel electrophoresis, BLast, and PCR/RT-PCR
• Basic optometry and eyeglass assembly

• School students will develop their biomedical science-related projects alongside their fellow cohort members
• Will participate in community outreach at local schools, chapter houses, and Din College campuses
• Improve understanding of STEM education in biomedical sciences

• Neuroscience via fruit flies' experiments
• Solar balloon assembly and launch

They will develop a well-rounded understanding of scientific procedures and experimental design surrounding the biomedical and health sciences careers. These "Mentor Avatars" will serve as a master trainer for the next generation of health scientists (school students "mentees" to work with the project team).

• The last date for application submission is February 28, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Din College students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and an interest in Biomedical Sciences/Biology/or Public Health major.

Preferred:

• Junior or Senior Year Din College Undergrad with Biomedical/Biology/Public Health.
• Certificate in Medical Assisting or Public Health is a plus.

Knowledge:

• Students must have a love for medical or health science with a background in biology, chemistry, basic math, and laboratory skills.
• Willing to work odd hours (weekends), outreach, public speaking, and presentation activities.
• Students must be physically capable of conducting labor-intensive work.
• The ability to lead a team is a plus.

Skills:

• Coordinates and participates in planned activities designed to complete the training.
• Promote social interaction and intellectual stimulation about medical sciences, the need for a healthcare work force, and willingness to contribute positively through selective strategies.
• Clerical duties such as answering phones, writing memos, running errands, word documents, Xeroxing, faxing, etc.
• Assist with the creation of flyers, and special events notices and help publicize events, presentations, and outreach workshops.
• Other tasks as assigned by the project leads.
• Also, help manage activities for student interns from schools (mentees), and keep them involved and motivated to develop their projects.

Abilities:

• Mentees must display interpersonal communication skills through their day-to-day interaction with their colleagues team members, and their 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:

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

Other Requirement(s):

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