Tieranny Keahna

Tieranny Keahna ’20 recently was awarded the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Undergraduate Summer Internship. Keahna was one of three students chosen from a nationwide pool of candidates for this summer-long paid internship.

Keahna’s internship will take place at the American Philosophical Society Library and Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct research, explore career opportunities in archives and special collections and learn about advanced training in Native American and indigenous studies and related fields.

“The NASI opportunity perfectly brings together and expands on the interests, knowledge and talents Tieranny cultivated during her time at Coe — from her classes in history, anthropology and classical studies to her hands-on learning experiences in Greece and with various Cedar Rapids-area public history projects,” William P. and Gayle S. Whipple Associate Professor of Humanities Dr. Brie Swenson Arnold said.

In addition to hands-on research, Keahna’s internship will include mentorship and networking opportunities. In collaboration with a mentor, Keahna will develop an archives-based project or pursue research projects identified by the indigenous communities with which the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) interacts and collaborates.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to participate in the NASI internship,” Keahna said. “As a Native American student-athlete, Coe has provided opportunities for me to interact with my advisor, professors, peers, work-study supervisor, coaches and fellow athletes at a very personal level. These opportunities helped with my academic and personal growth, and I am thankful for my time at Coe and the relationships I have built.”