Tommy K Begay, PhD, MPH

Dr. Tommy K. Begay is Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona. He is a Cultural Psychologist by academic training, focusing on the interrelationship of culture, biology, and environment, to understand human behavior as applicable to health and wellness. From this approach, cognition and human development specifically, neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity depend upon environmental stimulation provided through social interaction, context, and culture. Basically, all activities and behaviors lend to physical and functional changes to the brain and changes to the brain influence behavior. The results collectively contribute to consciousness, identity, and personality.

Dr. Begay possesses a Master of Public Health degree, with a specialty in International Health, from UArizona MEZ College of Public Health. He completed his Postdoc training at UArizona's Department of Psychiatry. As an instructor at UArizona, Dr. Begay has taught the following courses: American Indian Medicine and Wellness, Drugs and Society, Human Sexuality, Health Education Intervention Methods, and Contemporary Community Health. Prior to obtaining his doctorate, Dr. Begay worked as Program Director in the Native American Research and Training Center, and the MEZ College of Public Health, at UArizona.