Claire Walker is passionate about providing accessible healthcare for underserved populations.
FAYETTESVILLE, Ark.—Claire Walker is a Cherokee college student who cares about her Native community so much that she is on her way to receiving well-earned awards.
Accordingly, she was recently announced as the Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Scholar for her commitment to tribal healthcare, as well as demonstrated leadership connected to this issue on campus and in her community.
An honors student from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, she is majoring in biochemistry and biology at the University of Arkansas. In both her jobs as a medical assistant and a billing coordinator, Walker has been active in ensuring Native American patients have access to the healthcare they need.
Walker has taken steps to close the gap in STEM careers among Native American communities, including organizing a multi-day STEM workshop to engage 200 students. Since high school, Walker has been a member of HOSA, an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that helps students with career opportunities in the health industry and developing leadership and technical skills among students. She now serves as a student mentor. On her university campus, Walker engages in extensive biochemistry research.
"Claire Walker is a remarkable person, with incredible passion and dedication," said Terry Martin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. "The University of Arkansas is proud of her accomplishments, including this recognition and more. We look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the years ahead."
The Udall Scholarship Foundation awards 55 merit-based scholarships of up to $7,000 to college sophomores and juniors. Students apply in the categories of environment, tribal healthcare or tribal public policy. Applicants go through a rigorous and limited nomination process on their own campuses before their applications are submitted to the foundation. This year's Udall Scholars were selected from 381 candidates nominated by 175 colleges and universities.
"It is truly an honor to have my accomplishments in healthcare and tribal childhood education recognized," said Claire Walker. I want to thank my family and peers who have provided me encouragement and support throughout my college journey . . . and my professors in the chemistry department for igniting my passion for STEM and health care. I plan to continue to grow and learn in these areas and am grateful beyond words for the guidance I have received."
Walker's career aspiration is to serve as a pediatric oncologist, specifically working within the Cherokee Nation or at North Carolina's Research Triangle, where she can continue to pursue her passion of providing accessible healthcare to a traditionally underserved population.
