Native scholars named first Mellon Dissertation Fellows

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: 907-474-7902
12/10/08

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has named two Alaska Native doctoral students as its first Mellon Dissertation Fellows. As Mellon Fellows, Theresa John and Jordan Lewis are each eligible to receive a $30,000 stipend, and research and travel funds in addition to tuition and fees. Their fellowships include professional development opportunities, such as how to prepare for conference presentations, write grants and write for publication, how to successfully complete a doctoral dissertation, and how the tenure and promotion process works.

Lewis is in his fourth year of doctoral work at UAF. His studies focus on gerontology and circumpolar health issues in rural Alaska communities. His dissertation research explores the concept of successful aging from an Alaska Native perspective. Lewis is an Aleut from Naknek. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Washington University.