Lydia Jennings honored with Native American Student Affairs (NASA) Outstanding Graduate Service Award
July 16, 2019
A big congratulations to Lydia Jennings who recently received the University of Arizona Native American Student Affairs Outstanding Graduate Service Award. Lydia is an SRP trainee and PhD Candidate at the University of Arizona who is mentored by SRP investigator Dr. Julie Neilson and SRP Director Dr. Raina Maier.
The NASA Outstanding Graduate Service Award is given each year to a student who has contributed a significant service to the university, Tucson or their Tribe. Jennings said this is one of the more meaningful awards she has received. “The reason that I’m in a PhD program is to do science and service for Indigenous communities, and to me, getting this award from the NASA Office acknowledges that they notice and my actions are appreciated by the Indigenous communities here,” Jennings said.
Jennings was selected for her work mentoring students in a variety of programs including: Native SOAR; Women in Science and Engineering program; as well as undergraduates in her research group. Jennings has also spoken about her work, passion for engagement, and experience as a graduate student in several venues: the Tohono O’odham Nation where she presented UA SRP’s tribal mining module; in the Desert Defenders series; and at the University of Arizona College of Public Health Indigenous Day of Health.
“As a PhD student at the University of Arizona, I think it’s really important to use this space of privilege to make academics more accessible and to really help foster future generations of Natives in academia,” Jennings said.
“This award is incredibly humbling and it reminds me that I need to stay on my toes,” Jennings said.
Congratulations Lydia Jennings! Making the UA SRP Family proud!!!