Regina Idoate

Regina Idoate, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Public Health. She also serves as Director of Spirituality, Culture & Health and is a Full Member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. Her work bridges public health, Indigenous knowledge systems, and spiritual wellness.

Education:

• PhD in Preventive & Societal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (2014)
• Graduate Certificate in Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology, University of Arizona (2014)
• MA in Christian Spirituality, Creighton University (2010)
• MA in Spanish Language and Culture, Arizona State University (2006)
• BS in Psychology, Arizona State University (1998)

Dr. Idoate's research centers on addressing health disparities through community-based and Indigenous methodologies. Her work emphasizes cultural and Indigenous health sovereignty, spiritual wellness, and ecological, multi-level interventions. She collaborates across disciplines and with communities to advance workforce development and medical humanities in underserved populations, particularly American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend toward Indigenizing health education and narrative medicine, promoting spiritual wellness via participatory research, and understanding urban Native American health beliefs around cancer. These works highlight her commitment to decolonizing public health and centering community voice.

Scientific Affiliations:

• Indigenous Health Education And Resources Taskforce (IHEART), Member
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society, President of Omaha Professional Chapter
• Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Full Member
• CityMatCH, Associate Member

Dr. Idoate has advised numerous students and mentees in cancer research education programs for American Indian and Alaska Native students. She has been involved in interdisciplinary evaluation projects and workforce development initiatives. Her leadership in mentorship and community engagement underscores her dedication to building capacity in Indigenous health research.

She is actively involved in labs and teams focused on community health improvement, including the Spirituality, Culture & Health program and the Interdisciplinary Center for Program Evaluation at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. Her collaborative teams integrate public health, education, and Indigenous epistemologies to develop culturally grounded interventions.