Elizabeth Rink

Dr. Elizabeth Rink is a Professor in the Department of Human Development & Community Health at the University of Montana's College of Education, Health & Human Development. She holds affiliations with the Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity (CAIRHE). Her work focuses on sexual and reproductive health among Indigenous populations, community-based participatory research (CBPR), and research ethics. Dr. Rink has conducted studies in the Arctic and Circumpolar regions, emphasizing culturally responsive methodologies and multilevel interventions to address health disparities.

Education:

• Ph.D. Public Health, Oregon State University (2006)
• M.S. Social Work, University of Washington (1994)
• B.A. Anthropology and Russian Studies, University of Rochester (1987)

Her research trends include analyzing healthcare accessibility for Indigenous communities, cultural competence in Arctic health systems, and CBPR adaptations during crises like the pandemic. She has produced over 10 peer-reviewed articles since 2022, with a focus on Indigenous health equity and participatory research ethics.

Awards:

• Spirit of Montana (2020)
• Fulbright Arctic Initiative Cohort III Co-Lead Scholar (2019)
• Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Fellow (2019)

Dr. Rink leads grants like the Bridgercare Montana Youth Wellness Initiative and serves on NIH review panels (e.g., IRINAH). She co-produced documentaries like Inuulluataarneq Vingettes (2012) and Warrior's Heart (2011), emphasizing Indigenous narratives in health advocacy.

Her lab/team work centers on CAIRHE initiatives, designing interventions to reduce health disparities through collaborative frameworks with Indigenous communities.