The field of epidemiology grabbed me during a biochemistry course at Virginia Tech. Discussing the intricacies of how a pathogen spreads and the damage it can cause got me interested in the study of diseases and ever since I have been interested in the public health sector. I love having the opportunity to be on the front line of answering epidemiological questions and being a part of the solution to public health problems through research and analysis. While working for the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Health Analysis Department I have gained invaluable experience by working with an interdisciplinary team on a multitude of projects spanning across various health issues and populations. While at Virginia Tech, it afforded me the opportunity to work in higher education early in my career. I gained significant experience in presenting research done for the Virginia Department of Health at different symposiums including the One Health symposium, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Research Symposium, and the Office of GIS and Remote Sensing Research Symposium. Strong administrative professional with a Master's degree focused in Public Health - Infectious Diseases from Virginia Tech, pursuing a career in Epidemiology and/or EIS.Feel free to contact me at michaelbittner5@gmail.com with epidemiology opportunities.