Bauer, Temerity2021-07-222021-07-222021-062160-617Xhttps://hdl.handle.net/1794/26383Our research community at the University of Oregon is a brain. Each researcher represents a singular neuron, microglia, ion transport channel or other part of the complex machinery that plays a crucial role in our ‘brain’ as a top tier research institution. My Native American Heritage often makes me feel like an outsider because research, especially scientific, is a predominantly white field. At the University of Oregon, I have been able to express myself and strengthen my connection to my culture and my passions in research. My PI, Dr. Jaramillo, has helped me connect with other Native American researchers through opportunities like the SACNAS conference. We also have a journal club where once a month we read a paper about diversity, socioeconomic problems, and more which helps make me and other students in our lab feel more supported and empowered. So now, instead of a small neuron hiding, I am empowered and confident in my work, as represented by the singular Native neuron. This drawing represents me, indigenizing a field where my people and other minority groups have not been welcomed before. This drawing also represents the beauty that can be found when indigenous people or other minorities are empowered and work in normally predominantly white fields. Most importantly, this image represents the need for more Indigenous students and faculty to diversify and strengthen our scientific community, instead of one neuron there needs to be a push for several more to benefit our ‘brain’ as a whole.en-USCreative Commons BYneuroscienceNative AmericanindigeneityArticle