David Begay

Biography

Dr. Begay has over 30 years of extensive background experiences working with indigenous communities and university scientists nationally and internationally.   He is a member of the Navajo Nation, speaks the language fluently and has ancestral relationship with Jemez Pueblo.  He received his MA from the University of Arizona in 1982 in Political Science/Native American Policy and Law and his Ph.D. from California Institute of Integral Studies in Integral Studies: Leadership in Native American Education with concentration on Indigenous Science. 

Research Interest

Currently, he is Adjunct Professor with NAU, Flagstaff, in the Physic and Astronomy Department.  He is currently Research Associate Professor at UNM, College of Pharmacy, CEP Program and he is working with the Navajo Birth Cohort Study grant and the Native American Environmental Health Equity grant.  Dr. Begay’s intensive background experience will enrich the work with the upcoming Superfund Center with UNM as he will contribute to the research design and engagement that is culturally correct for Native people and one that incorporates protocol, appropriate cross-culturally communication and respect for community cultural characteristic that will be sustainable into the future.