Jani Ingram Explained

Jani C. Ingram
Fields:Analytical chemistry, Environmental chemistry
Workplaces:Northern Arizona University
Alma Mater:Yavapai Community College (A.A.), New Mexico State University (B.S.), University of Arizona (Ph.D.)
Thesis Title:Surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electron spectroscopic studies of copper and silver surfaces
Citizenship:Navajo (Diné)
Website:https://directory.nau.edu/person/jci5
Thesis Url:https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/185153
Thesis Year:1990
Doctoral Advisor:Jeanne Pemberton

Jani Ingram is a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Northern Arizona University. Ingram researches the chemistry and health impacts of environmental pollutants, especially uranium and arsenic. Ingram is a member of the Navajo tribe, and the Naneesht’ezhi clan.[1] She leads the Bridging Arizona Native American Students to Bachelor's Degrees (NIH Bridges to Baccalaureate) program and the Native American Cancer Prevention Program. She promotes educational and professional opportunities for Native American students in chemistry through a number of initiatives and for this work was awarded the 2018 American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences.[2]

Education

Ingram began her academic studies at Yavapai Community College in Arizona where she earned an associate's degree. She subsequently studied at New Mexico State University and earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry.[3] Her Ph.D. is in chemistry from the University of Arizona.[4]

Career and research

Ingram's research areas are analytical chemistry and environmental chemistry. She specializes on environmental uranium and arsenic contamination and how they effect the food chain and water supplies of the Navajo nation.[5] [6] She also researches traditional Navajo food ingredients and their health benefits, for example juniper ash as a calcium source.[7] In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, her research laboratory repurposed their facilities to produce hand sanitizer which was donated to the Navajo Nation.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jani Ingram, Ph.D.. 2020-08-16. Bridges To Baccalaureate Program. en-US.
  2. Web site: ACS 2018 national award winners. 2020-08-16. Chemical & Engineering News. en.
  3. Web site: ACS Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences: Jani C. Ingram. 2020-08-16. Chemical & Engineering News. en.
  4. Web site: ACS Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences: Jani C. Ingram. 2020-08-16. Chemical & Engineering News. en.
  5. Web site: 2017-06-26. Fry Bread Nation. 2020-08-16. Fronteras. en.
  6. Web site: COVID-19 shines light on Navajo water contamination (Environmental Factor, June 2020). 2020-08-16. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. en.
  7. Web site: To Get Calcium, Navajos Burn Juniper Branches To Eat The Ash. 2020-08-16. NPR.org. en.
  8. Web site: NAU chemistry professor pauses research, uses lab time to produce hand sanitizer to donate to Navajo Nation – NAU News. 2020-08-16. en-US.