Annie Ferguson (Sugpiaq)
Annie Ferguson, Public Health Communications Assistant, is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology – Environmental Health with a minor in Global Health at Montana State University. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Annie hopes to attend medical school with the intention of serving Native communities. At Montana State, Annie has participated in numerous community organizations, including The Childhood Advancement Project, Office of Admissions Diversity Ambassador, The American Indian Council, The Befrienders program, Expanding Your Horizons mentorship program, and Eagle Mount.
Beyond community involvement Annie has gained valuable experience through her job as a Caregiver, working in underserved areas within Montana. She has also worked as a Crisis Stabilization Worker at Western Montana Mental Health Center, serving Gallatin County and The Northern Cheyenne Tribe on the Lame Deer reservation. As an enrolled member of the Sugpiaq people, Annie has been able to conduct community participatory research in her Village of Ouzinkie, Alaska, aiding in creating a cultural preservation project. Annie is also working with Dr. Mark Shure as a research assistant to help create a trauma-informed response to help improve the mental well-being of the Apsaalooke tribal community. Annie has also assisted in teaching courses at Montana State, helping educate students and faculty of the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and providing a culturally inclusive curriculum for students at Montana State. Annie is interested in the use of community research to promote indigenous communities’ overall health and well-being.
