Annie Hinson received a Biology degree at Coker University in South Carolina in 2019 and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Microbiology and Immunology Department at Virginia Commonwealth University. She works in Dr. Daniel Miller’s lab where they study oral microbiology focused on polymicrobial interactions as well as bacterial-host interactions involved in periodontal disease initiation and progression. Her current research focuses on investigating signal transduction systems within Treponema denticola, a periodontal pathobiont, in an effort to advance our understanding of microbial molecular signaling mechanisms utilized during disease. Outside of lab, she serves as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Young Ambassador to the State of Virginia. Most notably in this position, she spearheaded an initiative to grow interest in science throughout the Richmond community by creating a science fair program tailored to expose students to the scientific method. She also worked with the Science Museum of Virginia to host the science fair, giving the students an opportunity to present and showcase their weeks of hard work in an actual science museum and then explore the rest of it after their presentations were complete. These experiences, among many others, sparked her desire to advocate for policy change that addresses health disparities, improves healthcare access, and ensures equitable educational opportunities for individuals. She sees great value in utilizing science in policy-informed decisions, as scientific evidence provides the foundation for creating solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Annie believes that state-level policy is uniquely positioned to address these disparities and create lasting, positive change, and she is eager to contribute to this work in Virginia.