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Wilfred Denetclaw
Wilfred Denetclaw spent his childhood on a Navajo Indian reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico. As a young boy, his favorite television show was a children's science-fiction program called "Johnny Quest." From watching his television hero's adventures all over the world, Wilfred got the idea that scientists use chemicals. He begged his parents for a chemistry set, and even though it cost $20, a large sum for his family, they bought it for him. As his scientific interests expanded, he found that he was drawn to the study of animals. Growing up on a ranch, he was surrounded by cattle and other animals, and Wilfred decided that he would become a biologist.When he began his studies at Navajo Community College, Wilfred was faced with a dilemma. In his Navaho culture, people did not touch dead animals. However, as a biological researcher, a large part of his work would involve dissections and investigations of dead animals. After spending a great deal of time considering his situation, he decided that since he would not purposely hurt any animal, and his work would ultimately help people, he felt comfortable continuing to study biology. With that decision behind him, Wilfred went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Fort Lewis College in Colorado, then a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of California at Berkeley. He remained at Berkeley for postgraduate work.
At Berkeley, Wilfred's earlier conviction that his research would help people became a reality. His research team was involved in a major discovery about the gene that causes muscular dystrophy. Wilfred has continued to study the gene, and is trying to find out exactly how it affects muscles. Today, he is conducting research at the University of California at San Francisco, investigating the early formation of muscles.
For Wilfred, his role as a Native-American scientist is very important, and he sees himself as a role model for other young Native Americans. He says that he knows only about ten other people from Indian reservations who he knows have gone on to earn Ph.D.s in science. Wilfred is involved in several organizations that promote scientific education and careers for Native Americans and people of color.
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