Publication Date: Sept. 14, 2023

Dr. Kimberly Horn began her role as a Research Scientist at the Institute in July 2023. In that role, she will support sponsored research projects working closely with Deputy Director Mary Beth Dunkenberger. 

Dr. Horn took some time recently to reflect on her new position with the Institute.

BP: What is your role at the Institute?

KH: My official title as a research professor can be distilled down to this: I am a scientist and master collaborator!

BP: How would you describe your research and praxis?

KH: I've spent nearly three decades doing what I love most—studying how people make choices about their health and discovering innovative ways to help us all lead healthier, happier, and more connected lives. One of my primary areas of focus has been addressing substance use disorders, working on prevention and intervention for those who are already struggling. I firmly believe that this type of work thrives through collaboration and partnership with communities and individuals from all walks of life.

Throughout my journey, I've had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed academic institutions, such as West Virginia University, The George Washington University, and Virginia Tech, and East Tennessee State University. I've poured my heart into this field and have been fortunate to make meaningful contributions. Along the way, I've received recognition and accolades for my efforts, which have meant the world to me. These are just a few of the accomplishments I'm proud of and fortunate to have been a part of during my journey:

  • Authoring 156 health publications, ranging from scholarly papers to books and guides for everyday people.
  • Leading over 50 health research grants, all aimed at making a positive impact.
  • Earning a place among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Virginia for 2023 (March).
  • Proudly becoming a part of the inaugural class and being the first woman to receive the Robert C. Byrd named professorship at West Virginia University.
  • Being honored as a distinguished alum in West Virginia University's Hall of Fame.
  • Serving as a spokesperson for the American Lung Association, advocating passionately for lung health.
  • Receiving the Award of Research Innovation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Developing a teen smoking cessation program for the American Lung Association, which has helped teenagers worldwide quit tobacco. This program earned recognition from the CDC as one of the most impactful health initiatives of the last decade.
  • Sharing my insights as a guest speaker and panelist for various U.S. federal health agencies.
  • Seeing my research stories featured in media outlets worldwide, including TIME, CNN, USA Today, the NY Times, and Voice of America.
  • Being able to make a difference

BP: How did you become affiliated with IPG?

KH: I've had the honor of working alongside Mary Beth Dunkenberger and her dedicated team for four years. Our collaborative efforts have been centered around addressing the opioid crisis, with a focus on both the broader Appalachian region and the specific challenges faced in Southwest Virginia. I’m especially proud of the work we did together to establish the Roanoke Valley Collective Response! Together, our work has been fortunate to make a significant impact, resulting in meaningful policy and practice changes that have garnered attention at both the national and state levels.

BP: What are some projects you are currently working on?

KH: I have the privilege of being the PI (shared with a colleague from ETSU) for the Studies To Advance Recovery Support (STARS) Network. STARS is an extraordinary research network with an incredible team and a clear mission: to develop specialized training, tools, and platforms tailored for the implementation that advance the study of peer recovery support services. These services are specifically designed to help individuals undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

Funded by NIDA, the STARS Network forms the solid foundation for critical research on peer recovery support services. This research is instrumental in expanding the reach of these services, ultimately advancing the recovery journey for individuals facing opioid use disorder.

STARS operates within the larger framework of the Opioid Research Consortium of Central Appalachia (ORCCA), where I proudly serve as the Co-Director. ORCCA, established five years  ago, embodies a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions and local communities across Central Appalachia. Our overarching goal is to serve as a leader, a unifying force, and a messenger of the research strategies and positive outcomes to reduce opioid use disorder in Central Appalachia. Simultaneously, we're actively engaged on the national stage, contributing our insights and solutions to this widespread crisis.

BP: What does a typical day look like for you?

KH: A typical workday for me usually starts with the essential morning ritual: coffee (and perhaps a bit more coffee), followed by some peaceful meditation to center myself, and a good workout in my home gym to get the energy flowing.

Then it's time to dive into my virtual world - lots of zooming, where I connect with colleagues and attend meetings, and often one-on-one phone conversations with colleagues or students. Then, probably more zooming! And, of course, there's always some dedicated time carved out for writing, where I can put my thoughts and ideas into words. I usually have 2-3 writing projects on my plate at any given time, be it papers, grant proposals, or briefs. I love to write.

BP: What is one detail your job entails that might be surprising for others to know?

KH: One surprising aspect of my job is that I've been working virtually with colleagues for many years, even before the era of COVID. On any given day, my work may involve communicating and collaborating with individuals from all over the country.

BP: What inspires you to do the work you do?

KH: I firmly believe that research carried out in collaboration across public, private, and community sectors is absolutely essential in sparking a “revolution” in societal health and overall well-being. It's all about doing my part to make a positive impact and create a healthier, happier world for everyone.

BP: What’s your advice to someone who would want to pursue your area of research or praxis?

KH: Embrace curiosity and the joy of discovery. This field is not just about facts and figures; it's about uncovering the stories behind the data and finding real-world solutions. Listen to people, hear your community. Be open to collaboration, as great ideas often emerge when different minds come together. Don't be discouraged by challenges; they're opportunities to learn and grow. Most importantly, stay passionate about making a positive impact on people's lives through your research. Let your passion be your driving force and it will be a rewarding journey.

BP: What is a potential area of research/grant in the future that you would like to study and/or work on?

KH: I'm deeply committed to our current innovative work, so I plan to stay on this path.

BP: What are some things you like to do in your free time?

KH: In my free time, I love to explore the creative side of my brain through writing, which provides a delightful escape from my scientific brain. Another one of my passions is cycling; I aspire to pedal through the picturesque lavender fields of Provence one day. Gardening has recently captured my interest, although I admit I'm still working on mastering it! I've also developed quite an enthusiasm for Kamado-style smoking in my culinary adventures. On occasion, I dabble in abstract art, letting my imagination run wild as I splash paint on canvas. But beyond all these interests, spending quality time with my family remains an absolute priority and one of the most cherished ways I like to spend my free moments.

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