Kellylynn Zuni, MS, Awarded Udall Foundation 2019 Native American Congressional Internship

PAU student Kellylynn Zuni, M.S., is one of only a handful of students selected by the Udall Foundation to participate in the 2019 Native American Congressional Internship. An independent review committee from the Foundation and the Native Nations Institute selected 12 students from 10 tribes and 10 different universities based on outstanding academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to careers in Tribal public policy.

 

Kellylynn (Diné) of the Black Streak Wood People clan and born of the Two Who Came to Water clan, is currently a Ph.D. candidate in PAU’s Clinical Psychology program and a student in a research lab directed by PAU Professor Bruce Bongar, Ph.D., ABPP, FAPM. A significant portion of Zuni’s doctoral training is focused on diversity and community mental health, an emphasis that provides students with the specialized skills and knowledge to serve as community mental health clinicians, consultants, researchers, policy advocates, community organizers, and administrators.

 

“I’m passionate about working within tribal systems and improving access to mental health care. This internship, that I have been aspiring to, will provide me with the opportunity to utilize Indigenous knowledge, mental and behavioral health, and practice applying information to laws and policies that affect tribal communities.”

 

Zuni will participate in the intensive nine-week internship this summer in Washington, D.C., where   students have the opportunity to gain practical experience with the federal legislative process to better understand the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the federal government.

 

 “I am so pleased that Kellylynn has been recognized for all her hard work on our Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-funded Navajo Technical University award. Kellylynn is a rock star! I anticipate that this will be the first of many awards coming her way,” said PAU Professor, Lisa Brown, Ph.D., ABPP.  

 

“Congressman Udall was an early hero of mine and an important figure in public policy, so this is a wonderful honor,” said PAU President Maureen O'Connor, Ph.D., JD. “It will be an amazing experience. The Foundation is very fortunate to have Kellylynn, as are we at Palo Alto University.”