Dr. Melanie Walsh serves as a Research Associate on the project. With her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, she brings with her a background in mental health, prevention efforts, public health initiatives, and program evaluation. Her past experiences include evaluation research, content analysis, social network analysis, and causal modeling as well as identifying and specifying abstract theoretical constructs via factor analysis. Melanie’s most recent research project was leading a statewide comprehensive needs assessment of LGBTQ Mississippians. This project had both qualitative and quantitative components and is being used to inform policy and interventions across the state.