
Meet our Student Research Assistants
Hometown
Murrieta, CA
Tribal Affiliation
Navajo
Year on Campus
Fourth Year Transfer Student
Best Memory at CSUSM
Joining AISA and making lots of friends!
Miah Anderson
Human Development- Concentration in Counseling Services
- Bio
Hello! My name is Miah Anderson and I am a 3rd year student who transferred to CSUSM fall 2023! I am a Kinesiology Movement Science major and I plan to be a physical therapist! In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, playing games, and hanging out with friends! I also enjoy crafts and watching movies or shows!
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC or the grassy area by SBSB.
- Dream JobPhysical Therapist!
- Favorite Summer ActivityRiding jetskis at Lake Powell!
Hometown
Pala Reservation
Tribal Affiliation
Kuupangaxwichem and Northern Ute
Year on Campus
Fifth Year
Best Memory at CSUSM
Powwow Workshops
Kiara Flores
American Indian Studies
- BioMiyaxwe/ Hello, My name is Kiara Love Flores and I come to you from the Pala Indian Reservation in Southern California. I am Kuupangaxwichem/ Cupeno and Northern Ute. In my twenty years of life, I have been dancing since I’ve learned to walk. These styles include the Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, and Bird Dancing all taught to me by my Mother. Dancing has always had the biggest impact on my life and has led me to the path I am on now. I am soon to receive my Bachelors in Native Studies with a concentration in Arts & Humanities. Working closely with Native communities has always been a part of me, especially with bringing light to Native issues like Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Native Education, and Native Erasure within education. Ichaam/ Thank You.
- Favorite Spot on CampusSBSB 1118
- Dream JobWorking with Native communities.
- Favorite Summer ActivityThe Powwow Trail
Hometown
Stilwell, Oklahoma
Tribal Affiliation
Cherokee
Year on Campus
Fourth Year Transfer
Best Memory at CSUSM
Joining AISA and meeting all the students involved, and Storytime with Stan.
Justin Littledeer
Political Science, Minor- American Indian Studies
- BioI am a Cherokee from the Oklahoma Bands, a Marine Corps Veteran, I am married to my wife Aubrie and we have a dog named Apollo, a cat named Kitty, and a home in Oceanside.
- Favorite Spot on CampusCICSC
- Dream JobAttorney
- Favorite Summer ActivityGoing to concerts
Hometown
Pala Reservation
Tribal Affiliation
Pala Band of Mission Indians (Kuupangaxwichem)
Year on Campus
Junior
Best Memory at CSUSM
Bowling with AISA
Lanise Luna
Biology
- Bio
My name is Lanise Luna, I am from the Pala Band of Mission Indians (Kuupangaxwichem). I am AISA’s social media person. I love all things ocean related and am always beading on my free time and recently turned it into my own business.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobMarine Biologist
- Favorite Summer ActivityBeading and Painting
Hometown
Banning, CA
Tribal Affiliation
Morongo Indian Reservation & Torrez Martinez
Year on Campus
Second Year
Best Memory at CSUSM
Meeting all my friends in AISA and finding my community.
Jaylee Martin
American Indian Studies
- BioMy name is Jaylee Martin I'm from the Morongo Indian Reservation and Torres Martinez Reservation. I love listening to music, swimming, and spending time with my friends.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobPublic Relations manager
- Favorite Summer ActvitySwimming
Hometown
Hemet, CA
Year on Campus
Junior
Best Memory at CSUSM
Denim jacket workshop!
Emely Morales
Literature & Writing Studies
- BioI am a first gen Mexican woman who prides herself in her creative spirit, open minded attitude, and love for learning.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The trail by the gym because of the wild flowers and frogs in the spring.
- Dream JobTo be a writer and an English Professor
- Favorite Summer ActivityHanging out with my friends and doing crafts.
Hometown
Escondido, CA
Tribal Affiliation
Kumeyaay, Santa Ysabel
Year on Campus
1st year at CSUSM, junior standing
Best Memory at CSUSM
The AISA social gathering last semester, I felt sure of my decision to study at CSUSM and had made solid friendships within AISA and outside of it.
Sheyanne Ortiz
Political Science and American Indian Studies
- BioHi! I’m Sheyanne Rae, my pronouns are they/them and I am studying Political Science as well as American Indian Studies. I’m native to the area both through my indigenous ties and the fact I’ve lived in the San Diego area for my whole life.
- Favorite Spot on CampusMy favorite spot is the quad outside of the center that leads into the grass circle.
- Dream JobMy dream job would be practicing law, hopefully within immigration law or family to ensure children are protected in the courts.
- Favorite Summer ActivityI love going to the beach, even if only for a few hours it is a respite from the pulsing life I so adore in San Diego.
Hometown
Temecula, CA
Tribal Affiliation
Navajo
Year on Campus
Second Year
Best Memory at CSUSM
Visiting the nearby cat cafe
Alden Redhouse
Criminology and Justice
- BioBorn in Albuquerque New Mexico in 2004, I am Alden or Shaandiin. I am apart of the Navajo Tribe on my father's side and became involved with the CICSC to learn more about my culture and to help out other Tribal Communities! I am currently a first-year student at CSUSM, and I intend to graduate in Spring 2027 with a major in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Despite my focus on university, I also have heavy priority on my flight school! I currently attend Flight School at French Valley Airport and plan to get my Private Pilot's License. I plan to become a Commercial Pilot with my degree at university and with my experience in flying. Outside of university and my flight school, I often spend time going out with friends, doing archery as a hobby, and writing.
- Favorite Spot on CampusLibrary or the CICSC
- Dream JobCommercial Pilot
- Favorite Summer ActivityVisiting friends across the states
Hometown
Escondido
Tribal Affiliation
Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians
Year on Campus
First Year
Best Memory at CSUSM
Getting all of the classes I wanted
David Rivera
American Indian Studies
- BioI'm David Rivera from Mesa Grande. I'm a AIS major and hope to better my people in the future. I'm also heavily into music. Some of my favorite musicians are Bob Dylan, The Beatles and The Grateful Dead.
- Favorite Spot on CampusCICSC
- Dream JobChief
- Favorite Summer ActivityTribal Gatherings
Hometown
Banning, CA
Tribal Affiliation
Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
Year on Campus
2nd Year
Best Memory at CSUSM
My best memory is being able to go to school and work with my best friend Jaylee.
Anyssa Stewart-Vaughn
Kinesiology
- Bio
Hi ! My name is Anyssa. I am a 2nd year Kinesiology Major. I love going to the beach and hanging with my friends. I also love watching sports and competitive tv shows.
- Favorite Spot on CampusPalm Court
- Dream Job
Athletic Trainer for the MLB
- Favorite Summer ActivityGoing to the Beach
Hometown
Campo, CA
Tribal Affiliation
Kumeyaay
Year on Campus
4th Year
Best Memory at CSUSM
Bird dancing on cmpus during an art exhibit
Alexandra Valle
Kinesiology
- BioI am a student research assistant at the CICSC. I am the American Indian Student Alliance Vice President and I also cheer on the team at CSUSM! I love music and spending time with my friends.
- Favorite Spot on CampusMy favorite spot on campus is the CICSC.
- Dream JobI hope to be a physical therapist or something in the medical field.
- Favorite Summer ActivityMy favorite summer place is the beach!
Hometown
San Ysabel, CA
Tribal Affiliation
Iipay Kumeyaay
Year on Campus
Senior
Best Memory at CSUSM
Bowling with AISA
Aiden Valverde
American Indian Studies
- Bio
I love working with animals and supporting conservation! I plan to go into the Fish and Wildlife service.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobPark Ranger
- Favorite Summer ActivityArchery, dance, and working with animals