Tommy K. Begay, PhD, MPH

Tommy K. Begay, PhD, MPH, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a joint appointment in the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine. His research interests include utilizing cultural-historical psychology to assess the impact of cultural patterns on mind-body health and wellness. The interdisciplinary approach of cultural-historical psychology takes into consideration the fusion of culture, biology and history (development) to gain insight into contemporary health and wellness. Dr. Begay is especially interested in assessing the impact of historical trauma on brain-body pathways and the subsequent patterns of disease-promoting behaviors among Native American people and Indigenous populations throughout the world. He is also interested in assessing the intergenerational transmission of adverse childhood experiences (e.g., childhood abuse and trauma) in relation to adult pathophysiology and psychopathology.

Dr. Begay serves as biochemistry laboratory coordinator in Dr. Charles Raison's research laboratory. In this capacity, he is part of a multi-University collaboration team that utilizes biochemistry laboratory techniques to isolate specific stress-response “biomarkers” for analysis and assay. These biomarkers (cytokines and hormones) are associated with specific autonomic pathways and biological mechanisms to provide information relative to inflammation, depression, immune function, and disease processes associated with chronic stress. This information may also be used to identify determinants of positive health and wellness.

Dr. Begay is currently pursuing the design and implementation of methodologies for assessing emotional, social and biological effects of Native American spiritual practices. He is also exploring the healing properties of natural and environmental influences - sacred spaces and built environments - on mental, physical, and emotional health.

Dr. Begay has a Master of Public Health degree, with a focus on International Health, from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona. He obtained his doctorate in Cultural Psychology from the Department of Language, Reading and Culture, College of Education, University of Arizona. Dr. Begay also has extensive experience as a Program Director, Lecturer and Academic Advisor.