Myra Parker

Myra Parker (Mandan-Hidatsa-Cree), Ph.D., J.D., is an associate professor in the Center for the Studies of Health and Risk Behaviors in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, in the University of Washington School of Medicine. She also serves as the director for Seven Directions: A Center for Indigenous Health. Dr. Parker received her B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University, a J.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Arizona in 2001 and 2002, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Health Services from the University of Washington School of Public Health in 2010. Dr. Parker has worked for over ten years on tribal public health program implementation, and coordination with tribal communities in Arizona, Idaho, and Washington, as well as with tribal colleges and universities across the United States. Her research experience in public health involves Community Based Participatory Research, cultural adaptation of evidence-based interventions, and disparities research. As an enrolled member of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes, she is aware of the historical health practices and misconduct perpetuated on tribes in the United States, as well as other minority and disenfranchised populations. Her background in law and policy has informed a broader understanding of the principles of ethics and serves as a framework for identifying methods to address the disparities in tribal control and access of research data through the use of formalized agreements and other mechanisms that support tribal sovereignty.