As a native West Virginian, I understand the role that history, economy, and geography have on health. Though my Public Health training has been oriented within an Appalachian context, health improvement does not exist in a silo. Improving the health of Appalachian people has implications for health improvement across the U.S. and beyond. As a researcher, I am driven to understand the levers that improve population health and even more interested in how those levers can be 'pressed' in rural, resource-scarce places. As an emerging Public Health practitioner, I seek to connect research to the field through evidence-based practices. I believe that my academic training in Epidemiology and Geography has positioned me to see the patterns found in health and health services. I am eager to leverage my skills and experiences as a student to improve the health of communities wherever they may be.