Abby worked with the Vermont Department of Health Climate Health Program, a program funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that focuses on identifying climate-related health risks in Vermont, developing adaptation strategies to reduce climate-related health risks, and promoting climate change mitigation strategies that provide health co-benefits. Abby’s fellowship focused on the health benefits of residential energy efficiency retrofitting, or building weatherization strategies, which is poised to be a substantial climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy. She evaluated and compiled evidence linking building weatherization to public health benefits, creating a technical report and communication tool to be used with key partners and stakeholders to advance support for building weatherization in Vermont. The experience was a priceless stepping stone in furthering Abby’s career in public health, as she completed her fellowship while pursuing a dual Master of Science in Public Health in Epidemiology and Environmental Health at Emory University. Abby previously received a BS in Environmental Science from Georgetown College, after which she spent time working in land conservation before beginning work on her MSPH.
