Bridges Application
Bridging Arizona Native American Students to Bachelor’s Degrees
(Bridges) at Northern Arizona University
The Bridging Arizona Native American Students to Bachelor’s Degrees (Bridges) at Northern
Arizona University is a summer program designed to offer tribal/community college students the
opportunity to get hands on research experience. The program consist of individual projects for
each student in which the student well learn to collaborate with a faculty mentor and other research
students in a research setting. This ten week program will give students the opportunity to
development research methods and skills on a university scale while still attending a
tribal/community college. Furthermore, this unique program is sponsored by the Bridges
science/health research program in collaboration with the Partnership for Native American Cancer
Prevention program.
The program will include unique opportunities such as:
1. Laboratory procedures- introduction to laboratory, computer, and data analysis skills
necessary for students choosing a career in science. Students will learn basic lab skills;
e.g., quantitative measurement, working with glassware, basic lab safety.
2. Weekly research reviews/professional development Students will meet together with a
program faculty member or coordinator to track student progress with their research,
identify concerns and learn about the research of their peers.
3. Individual research projects. Students will work with their mentors and other lab students
to research topics related to cancer, health or environmental sciences.
4. Presentation of research projects by students at an end of program poster session.
5. National Conference- Students will have the opportunity to present findings of research at
a national conference.
6. Digital Story- Students will create at digital story of their summer experience at NAU.
7. Abstract and poster creation- Students will receive assistance in creating an abstract and
poster.
Research Project Examples

“Uranium as an environmental risk factor for cancer among the Navajo” Dr. Jani
Ingram. In this lab students will have the opportunity to analyze environmental samples to
investigate the interaction of cells and natural uranium deposits. To study natural uranium
deposits and reaction to relate to cancer development.

Research projects in conjunction with Flagstaff Medical Center.

“The Role of MicroRNA Variation in Prostate Cancer Progression Within Native
American Populations” Dr. Jason Wilder. Within Native American populations, prostate
cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality. Students in the lab, are given the opportunity
to practice genetic research to gain a better understanding of how a cancer such as
prostate, progresses and poses more susceptibility to Native American populations.
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Bridges Application
*Past Research Abstracts can be found on BRIDGES webpage at nau.edu/Bridges-toBaccalaureate/
A complete Bridges application includes:
1.
2.
3.
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6.
Essay
Application form. All items must be completed or application may not be considered
Copy (unofficial OK) of all college/university transcripts (including current courses)
Copy of a CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood)
Two letters of recommendation
Resume
All application items should be sent to:
Christal Black
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 5659
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Deadline for applications is:
First Friday of March
For additional program information or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Christal Black- Christal.Black@nau.edu
(928) 523-8380
Or
Dr. Jani C. Ingram- Jani.Ingram@nau.edu
(928)523-7877
Essay
Please submit a 1-2 page essay (typed, double spaced, 12 point font) indicating
a) Why you are interested in Science and/or Health research?
b) What is your major?
c) What you hope to do for a living (career)?
d) What school do you plan on obtaining your bachelor’s degree from?
e) Why do you think you would fit our program?
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Bridges Application
Application Form-Due
First Friday of March
Name:
I. Academic Year Contact Information
a) Address:
b) Phone:
c) Email:
II. Summer Contact Information (if different than above)
a) Address (summer):
b) Phone:
c) Email:
III. Contact information for 5-year Tracking (most students use their parent’s or grandparent’s
address)
a) Contact Names:
b) Address:
c) Phone:
d) Email
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Bridges Application
IV. Educational Information
a) Last date of college/university enrollment (month/year OR current):
b) Last/current college/university attended:
c) Highest enrollment status attained (freshman, sophomore, …):
d) Overall GPA:
e) Last/current degree program (major/emphasis area):
f) Anticipated degree completion date (month/year):
g) List all colleges/universities attended and dates of attendance
1.
2.
3.
h) Indicate the number of college/university courses in each of the following areas, in which you
have received a grade of C or better:
Chemistry
Biology
Math
Other sciences (please indicate course topics):
V. Interests and Goals
a) Of the subject areas listed above (III h), indicate the three areas of greatest interest to you in order
of preference (1 = most interesting . . .)
1.
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Bridges Application
2.
3.
b) What is the highest degree you expect to achieve?
Associates
Bachelors
Masters
Ph.D.
M.D. or other professional degree
VI. Personal Information
a) We are only able to accept U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents please confirm your status.
Yes, I am a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
b) Tribal affiliation, please attach copy of proof of Indian Blood.
Affiliation Name:
c) Gender:
Female
Male
d) Have you ever been arrested?
Yes
No
If yes, please explain:
Northern Arizona University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications
from minorities and women are especially encouraged.
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Bridges Application
VII. Letters of Reference
List the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email of two people who are providing
confidential letters of recommendation on your behalf. At least one letters must be from a
college/university faculty member who is familiar with your science background. These
references will be contacted if you are in the final pool of applicants.
REFERENCE 1
NAME:
ADDRESS:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
E-MAIL:
REFERENCE 2
NAME:
ADDRESS:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
E-MAIL:
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