SAVIR Member Spotlight: Jacqueline Seals, DrPH

My areas of interest are intentional injuries and gun violence, focusing on suicide and firearm injury prevention. I began my masters thinking I wanted to work in infectious diseases. I was really interested in the social network component of how diseases spread. Through the coursework, I was introduced to the Kentucky Violent Death Reporting System and research on suicide and intentional injuries. At the 2015 APHA annual conference, I was introduced to Cure Violence Global, which advances an evidence-based health approach to end violence, and I was sold. I would be able to pair my interest in disease spread with my passion for preventing intentional injuries and data analysis.

How long have you been a member of SAVIR? What has been your favorite part about being involved with SAVIR?

I have been a member of SAVIR for less than a year, though I have been engaging when possible as a non-member for longer. So far, my favorite part has been this year’s SAVIR conference. SAVIR’s 2025 conference came at a time when it felt difficult to remain in my space of research interests. The messaging that we need to find a way to stay and our work is still so incredibly important has been a huge motivator.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?

The most rewarding aspect of my career so far has been getting my first grant in injury surveillance. This funding has given me the confidence to create a community of researchers who all share an interest in firearm injury prevention. From this group, I have identified potential collaborators, mentors, and other researchers to share ideas and learn from.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am the mom of a 4-year-old. All of my free time is spent with her making memories.