Shelby Koch – Māhina 2017

Shelby Koch, was a student trainee in the 2017 Māhina program.

Shelby Koch (Choctaw): Dual major in biology and anthropology, Western Washington University
Halito, I am a member of the Choctaw Nation and grew up in rural Eastern Washington. I am a senior at Western Washington University majoring in biology/anthropology, and I am completing prerequisites for medical school. After the Mahina program, but before medical school, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Native American studies in Oklahoma. My ultimate goal is to become a physician and researcher working for my tribe in Oklahoma. I am interested in researching preventable diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. I am also deeply interested in evolution and how we can use evolutionary medicine to help combat modern epidemics. I am also an avid barefoot trail runner and swimmer and certified lifeguard.

---

Māhina is supported by funding from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number T37MD008625-01.