Tori BearBow is Southern Cheyenne and originally from Elko, Nevada, but has grown up in Snoqualmie, Washington since she was nine. She is currently going into her third year attending the University of Washington in Seattle where she studies Informatics with a focus in data science. She’s planning on graduating in spring 2024.
Tori’s research interests include the intersection of public health and data science, Indigenous data sovereignty, and mental health. More specifically, she is interested in the data and research concerning Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) and health disparities in the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) community. Additionally, she is passionate about the continuing efforts for improved Indigenous data collection and stewardship processes that integrate Indigenous methodologies and their role in overcoming data dependency.
While at UIHI, Tori is interested in exploring the overlap between public health and data science. She hopes to gain more knowledge and experience with data analysis, collection, and visualization with the goal of applying these skills towards bringing justice and protection to Native people who are affected by violence—especially in Urban settings. In addition to these skills, she hopes to explore different public health opportunities to solidify her interest in pursuing graduate school.
In her free time, Tori enjoys playing volleyball and lacrosse, reading, writing, drinking tea and coffee, and spending quality time with her family!