UArizona Mentors

Mark Clytus, PhD Candidate 

Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies 

"Yá'át'ééh (Hello) I am Mark Clytus, I am married to a beautiful Dine’ (Navajo) woman with four kids. I am a first-generation PhD student studying American Indian Studies, with an emphasis in Indigenous STEM Engineering Education Curriculum in Higher Education/Natural Resource Management and Policy at the University of Arizona. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (Oklahoma State University) and earned two master’s degrees in Information Technology Management (Colorado Technical University) and Environmental Science (University of Idaho). I worked as a professional engineer and as an IT consultant doing project management on a variety of engineering/IT technology projects for the Federal government (Dept. of Commerce MBDA, Dept. of the Air Force and Army, USGS), State of Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control, Boeing, Tribal governments (Navajo Nation and Spokane Tribe), and in Academia (University of Idaho, Washington State University and Oklahoma State University). I have certification in technology transfer management funded by the Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to promote technology transfer between academia, government agencies and private industries. As a future PhD recipient, I will work to produce economic development opportunities in an environmentally sustainable conscious market for Indigenous communities and I will work on going into administration in higher education to develop culturally relevant and empowering STEM curriculum for higher education institutions, as well as enhance educational academic outreach opportunities for underrepresented, low income, and first-generation students through STEM programs."

Josh Henry, Master of Science

Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Josh Henry graduated from UA with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He is continuing his education at UA to pursue a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Angel-Grace Leslie, PhD Candidate

Medical Pharmacology

Angel-Grace Leslie is bitterwater, born for the water’s edge. Her maternal grandfather is big water and her paternal grandfather is black sheep. She is originally from Chinle, AZ and completed her BS in Biology at Dine College. This past year, she completed her MS in Medical Pharmacology at the University of Arizona and will be pursuing a doctorate degree in the same program. Her research focus involves the characterization of peripheral and neuro-inflammation within an Alzheimer’s Disease mouse model. As an advisor for both the Bridge2STEAM and URBRAIN Fellowship, Angel has had the opportunity to mentor indigenous undergraduate students from Dine College, San Carlos Apache College, CU Denver and UCLA. Once she has completed her studies, it is her dream to return home and help understand the impact of neurological diseases among the Navajo Nation.

Michael R. Lomakema, Master of Business Administration

Materials Science and Engineering, MS
Executive MBA

Michael R. Lomakema is a member of the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation, from the Village of Hotevilla and Tuba City, Arizona. He recently completed his master’s degree in Engineering Management at the U of A in December 2021. He currently works full-time as a project engineer with the Indian Health Service and has over twenty years of professional engineering and management experience. Michael has decided to continue his education in the fall 2022 semester in the Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) program at the U of A.

Michael enjoys going back to his home in northern Arizona to be with family, ranching, and participating in cultural activities in his spare time.

Micah Mann, Master of Science

Optical Sciences

Micah Mann is a member of the Navajo Nation from Sweetwater, Arizona. He is currently finishing up his master's degree in Optical Engineering; his report focuses on alleviating astigmatism issues in concentrated solar power systems. Micah worked in solar for 2 years at Sandia National Labs, but is now working in the field of augmented reality and holography as an optical display engineer. Micah is excited for the next chapter in his life!

Christopher Yazzie, PhD Candidate

Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Christopher Brian Yazzie is a member of the Navajo Nation from the community of Tuba City, Arizona. He is currently working on a PhD in Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on the removal of uranium from groundwater by membrane filtration and electrochemical processes. He has previous water resource work experience with tribal, county and state agencies. Chris is currently a mentor in the USDA-NIFA "Bridge to STEAM" program, which prepares tribal college students for graduate school. Apart from the PhD life, Chris loves listening to music and spending time with his family.

Internship 2019: Navarro Engineering, Department of Energy Legacy Management Rare Metals UMTRCA