Christine Samuel-Nakamura

Christine Samuel-Nakamura, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Nursing (SON). She holds expertise in community environmental health, heavy metal contamination, and American Indian (AI) health. Her research focuses on uranium exposure in AI communities, particularly the Diné (Navajo) reservation. Dr. Samuel-Nakamura previously served as a Lecturer in UCLA's Interdepartmental Program in American Indian Studies (IDP-AIS).

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from University of New Mexico
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Neuropsychiatry subspecialty from UCLA
• PhD from UCLA
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCLA

Research Interests: Dr. Samuel-Nakamura investigates environmental contamination's impact on chronic health conditions in AI populations. Her work examines uranium and heavy metals in food chains, herbal plants, and animal species like Ovis Aries. She also explores behavioral health factors influencing HPV vaccine decision-making among AI college students.

Awards:

• 2015 Nominee UCLA Chancellor's Award for Postdoctoral Research
• 2014 Outstanding Student Award from the Native Health Research Conference
• 2014 NIH/NINR/NIEHS F31 Grant

Teaching & Service: Teaches courses on diversity in health, AI healthcare, and environmental health ethics. Active member of professional societies including Western Institute of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society.

Grants: Recipient of multiple grants including NIOSH, UCLA Institute of American Cultures, and Navajo Nation scholarships supporting her environmental health research.