University of Arizona assistant professor Yvette Roubideaux has been asked to join the Obama administration in Washington and head up the Indian Health Services division of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Roubideaux is a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe and has dedicated her career to researching Native American health issues.

The 46-year-old has received numerous awards for her work with Native Americans, including the American Diabetes Association's 2008 Addison B. Scoville Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service and the 2004 Indian Physician of the Year Award from the Association of American Indian Physicians.

Roubideaux received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She is the co-director of a program providing diabetes-prevention advice in 66 Native American and Alaska Native communities.

Roubideaux previously worked in the Indian Health Service as a medical officer and clinical director on the San Carlos Indian Reservation and in the Gila River Indian Community.  

President Obama announced his intention to nominate Roubideaux to the federal office earlier this week