Education
BA, Sociology, West Virginia University
In her role at WVU Health Affairs Institute, Emily provides program management, research support in the forms of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and is a Manager within the Research Specialist team. Her project work includes Overdose Data to Action – implementation and evaluation of ED-based overdose prevention efforts; Community Health Needs Assessments – supporting all aspects of this process for more than 20 hospitals in West Virginia and border states; and Assessment of WV Homeless Population – an assessment of 2023’s Senate Bill 239.
Emily has spent more than 12 years serving vulnerable populations in Appalachia, including those experiencing substance use disorder and homelessness. Prior to joining Health Affairs, Emily worked in the School of Public Health on assorted program and policy evaluation projects, as well as in the social services and community mental health field in Monongalia County. She has a background in direct service and behavioral health that allows her to lay the groundwork for meaningful qualitative research and an ability to connect with other people. Taking a career path from community work to the research field has reinforced the idea that partnership with stakeholders and those who are already “doing the work” are critical to program success, and an ability to serve West Virginians in ways that are needed and that are impactful.