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In the fall of 2024 a graduate student mentoring program was created to assist undergraduate American Indian/Alaska Native students who are enrolled in the Tribal Students Program in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR).  The mentors provide additional support for students who attend the University. Mentors meet with students at least twice a semester and provide support utilizing a goal setting model. The mentoring program was made possible through the assistance and support of the Graduate School at the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno.

Aiyana Isham is currently in her final semester of the Criminal Justice Master's program at the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno, with plans to graduate in May 2025. A proud member of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, she was born and raised in Nevada. Aiyana earned her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno in 2021, furthering her dedication to the field. As the oldest of four siblings, she strives to serve as a role model for both her siblings and the youth in her community. Her commitment to community and family is a driving force in her life. In addition, Aiyana is passionate about advocating for other Native Americans who face adversity, working to amplify their voices and address their challenges. She currently works for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony as the Education Advisor, where she contributes to the academic success of her community. Aiyana currently resides in Reno with her husband, where she continues to pursue her academic and professional goals

My name is Ryan Rogers, and I am a member of the Yerington Paiute Tribe. I earned my undergraduate degree from UNR and completed my Master’s at Sierra Nevada College (now known as the Tahoe campus). I am currently enrolled in the Educational Doctoral program at UNR. I have worked for the Washoe County School District for 14 years. I have mostly taught 5th and 6th grades, and last year, I accepted the position of Dean of Students at my elementary school. I also serve as the Parent Advisory Committee Vice-Chair for our local Native American Culture & Education Program. My wife, two boys, and I enjoy traveling, camping, and cheering on the 49ers, Giants, and Wolf Pack!

Jamiika Thomas is an enrolled tribal member of the Navajo Nation and a doctoral student in the Psychology Program (Behavior Analysis Specialization) at the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno. She holds both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Psychology from UNR. 

Her experiences in behavior analysis include working with adults with intellectual disabilities at UNR’s Person-centered Assessment, Training and Rehabilitation Program and, more recently, with children at UNR’s Spectrum Learning Center. She has served as a teaching assistant in behavior analysis and psychology courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

She co-managed the Human Operant Lab where she mentored undergraduate students in experimental research. Several of her research collaborations have been published in peer-reviewed journals, including The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and The Psychological Record. Her research interests include verbal behavior, cultural behavior, and improving access to higher education for Native American students.  

Jamiika’s service activities center around increasing the welfare, representation, and autonomy of Indigenous students and peoples. She currently serves as co-president of the Native Graduate Student Alliance at UNR. She has also recently served as the Doctoral Student Representative to the Native American Mural Committee for the Great Basin Indigenous Mural. 

Gaylene Williams is Numu-Kooyooe Tukadu (Pyramid Lake Paiute), from Pyramid Lake, Nevada. She has most recently worked with the Nevada First-Gen Network as a Program Coordinator where she collaboratively supported 27 stakeholders from throughout the state of Nevada. Gaylene worked on the Native American Enhancement Project for the Nevada Department of Education to enrich the educational experience for students throughout the state as they learn about Nevada tribes.

During her time with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Education Department, she worked with members of the community, providing wrap-around services to help ensure client success in education, training, and workforce development.

She taught Elementary School for the Bureau of Indian Education and at a public school situated within the boundaries of a reservation.

Gaylene maintains strong ties to her language and culture.  She believes education is key for Indigenous communities to maintain their sovereignty and right to self-determination.

Education:

• B.S. Elementary Education, ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno
• M.A. Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies