Oziomachukwu Chinaka is a Ph.D. candidate in the Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Program at Virginia Tech. She holds her B.S. in Human Development and a Master’s in Public Health from Virginia Tech. As an interdisciplinary researcher, Oziomachukwu’s research interests span a variety of topics, including health disparities, health equity, substance use disorders, women’s health, and maternal and child health. She currently works in Dr. Brittany Howell’s lab, which explores the Maternal Influence on Neurodevelopment (MIND). Within the MIND Lab, her research investigates factors influencing pregnant individuals’ participation in the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study. Outside of research, Oziomachukwu enjoys exploring new foods, traveling, and running. She is excited to apply her personal, professional, and research experiences to this fellowship, while also deepening her understanding of the intersection between science and policy.