As a dedicated public health professional with a deep passion for rural health equity and Appalachian studies, I have built a career focused on making a tangible impact in underserved communities. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from West Virginia University (WVU) in 2021, which laid the foundation for my commitment to this field. Immediately following, I pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where I also earned a graduate certificate in Biostatistics in 2023.Currently, I serve as a Workforce Development Program Evaluator at ETSU's Center for Rural Health Research, where I oversee the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) in Tennessee. This role allows me to work on critical initiatives aimed at strengthening public health systems and improving outcomes in rural areas.My journey into public health began with my involvement in 4-H, where I was first introduced to the concepts of community health and wellness. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for helping others, especially in underprivileged regions like Appalachia.In the Spring of 2025, I will be starting my Doctorate of Public Health in Epidemiology at ETSU, which I believe will further enhance my ability to contribute to meaningful change in the field. I am excited about the future and look forward to continuing my work with ETSU, leveraging my expertise and dedication to advance rural health equity.