BP: What is your role at the Institute?

LY: I am the Public Health Program & Policy Research Associate at IPG. I have been with the Institute full-time since the Fall of 2021.

BP: How would you describe your research and praxis?

LY: I would describe my research and praxis as situated at the intersection of public health and community-based participatory research. My research interests include substance use and mental health as well as working with vulnerable communities.

BP: How did you become affiliated with IPG?

LY: My first role with IPG was as a Graduate Research Assistant, which started in the Spring of 2020. I served in that role as I completed my Masters in Public Health at Virginia Tech, through 2021. After graduation, I came on to the IPG team full-time.

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

LY: I work across several projects with IPG and community partners, but work most on data management, program evaluation and reporting alongside two local Community Services Boards for the federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) grants. I also assist in project work for the Roanoke-Alleghany Health Department Impactful Community Engagement and Planning (ICEP) project with the Virginia Department of Health, as well as for the Roanoke Alleghany Regional Commission’s Roanoke Valley Collective Response to conduct an asset mapping process for substance use and mental health services within the region.

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

LY: No two days are alike in a workday, which is one of my favorite things about my work. Days can include anything from literature review and research on topics or best practices for program evaluation, meeting with stakeholders or community partners on project development, or being in the field conducting data collection or participating in community events.

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

LY: “Research” does not always mean being in a lab or studying people from behind two-way mirrors! Participatory research gives us the opportunity for a collaborative research approach that involves community members, researchers, and other stakeholders in the investigative process. The work that I get to be involved in really has an impact on informing policy and procedures that serve individuals.

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

LY: I am inspired to do the work that I do because I get to serve people at a larger scale than I ever thought possible. I have always loved learning, and I get to learn from others in my field every day!

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

LY: My advice to someone who wants to pursue the public health or community-based research field would be to get involved with your local community action and collaborative groups that serve an audience in which you are interested. Jump in ready to learn, serve, and connect with others in the field!

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

LY: I have always had an interest in working with older adults, perhaps studying the effects of dementia on caregivers or social support for older adults. This is something I would be interested in pursuing in the future, should an opportunity arise.

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

LY:  I enjoy reading, spending time outside, and traveling as much as possible in my free time!

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