SAVIR Member Spotlight: Toni Marie Rudisill, MS, PhD

Toni Marie Rudisill, MS, PhD, Assistant Professor and PhD Program Advisor for Epidemiology, West Virginia University School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Tell us about your areas of interest within injury and violence prevention. Why did you decide to pursue a career in this field?

My specific areas of focus are transportation safety, substance use, and injury policy. I have always found injury research to be very fascinating. As a graduate student, I got the opportunity to work at our Injury Center and was instantly ‘hooked’.

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 for well over a decade–I actually joined while I was a PhD student! My favorite part of SAVIR is all my wonderful colleagues. I love being able to connect with others at our annual conference. It’s a fantastic place to network with like-minded people.

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

I would have to say there are two overarching aspects that are the most rewarding. First, I enjoy the research process from coming up with a research question, writing a grant, securing the funding, carrying out the project, then publishing the manuscript. As a ‘type A’ person, it is very satisfying to see something go from an idea to a finished product. Secondly, I find mentoring to be very rewarding. I enjoy working with students and watching them grow as scientists.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I live in the Appalachian Mountains, so I am an outdoor girl. I have numerous hobbies in every season which include: backpacking, camping, kayaking/boating (I own 11 boats!), hiking, fly fishing, riding and spending time with my two horses, golf, skiing (cross country and alpine), and snowshoeing.