Dr. Bryce Hoflund began her role as a Research Scientist at the Institute in December 2022. In that role, she frequently collaborates on research projects with Deputy Director Mary Beth Dunkenberger and other faculty. 
 
Dr. Hoflund took some time recently to reflect on her tenure with the Institute. 
 
BP: What is your role at the Institute?

BH: Since the end of 2022, I have worked as a part-time Research Scientist, and I assist my IPG colleagues with various projects related to food and public health. I also engage in and assist with project development activities in these areas.  

BP: How would you describe your research and praxis?

BH: In general, I like to work at the intersection of research and praxis and conduct research that engages both scholars and practitioners. I like to understand systems and processes and investigate ways that they can be improved. My research interests focus on health care regulation and policy, food insecurity and food policy, food safety regulation and policy, network organizations, and network management and leadership.

BP: How did you become affiliated with IPG?

BH: I have worked at IPG twice. I first worked here as a graduate research assistant on several projects led by Deputy Director Mary Beth Dunkenberger from 2005-2008 while completing my doctoral work at the Virginia Tech Center for Public Administration and Policy. During that period, I worked on three projects. The first project was to assess the human resource efficacy and per diem rate sensitivity for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The second examined the compensation and classification of customer service positions for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Finally, I worked on two projects related to the Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA) program. We evaluated VIDA’s financial curriculum and identified ways to improve program participation.

When I moved back to Blacksburg after retiring from academia in 2022, I had lunch with a few of my former favorite IPG colleagues and the rest, as they say, is history.

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

BH: I am currently involved in several ongoing and developing projects, including the Roanoke-Alleghany Health Department Impactful Community Engagement and Planning

(ICEP) project, the development of a white paper related to drug checking services for the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition, and project development related to food systems and food policy. I also lend my expertise to other miscellaneous research projects as needed.

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

BH: I don’t have a typical day, but they usually contain a mix of writing, attending meetings related to project work and project development, conducting research related to my current projects, working with graduate students, and putting together grant applications. 

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

BH: A well-kept secret about working at IPG is the tremendous amount of fun that we have working together and caring for each other. We enjoy birthday lunches, and we also have fun putting together other celebratory events.

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

BH: I am driven by a desire to support those doing the hard work of influencing policy and being policy advocates for change as well as those who assist and provide services to vulnerable and underserved populations.

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

BH: Regarding food systems and health policy work, there’s always more work to be done, something to be learned, and new connections to explore. Don’t be afraid to dive in – talk to experts, find a related internship or job, and read all you can.

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

BH: The great thing about working at IPG is that I’m constantly discovering new areas of interest. I look forward to building on the projects I am currently working on and applying for grants to continue research in these areas and any new areas that may emerge.

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

BH: I am an avid Pelotoner and love to take all their classes. I recently started taking Peloton’s rowing classes and thoroughly enjoy them. My other interests include reading, traveling, and shopping weekly at the Blacksburg Farmers Market.

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