Katie Qualls Fay is a seventh-generation Oklahoman and third-year Ph.D. student in Health Promotion Sciences. Her passion for helping people make healthier choices began early—she recalls being selected to deliver the “Why I Live Tobacco Free” speech at her sixth-grade D.A.R.E. assembly as the moment she knew health promotion would be part of her future. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Katie worked at the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus as a health promotion practitioner and fitness instructor and taught several health-related undergraduate courses. Most recently, she worked for the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. Her research interests include increasing the use of primary care services and referral uptake, cancer screening, survey development, and health communication strategies. Katie credits her colleagues with supporting her through this important career transition and is grateful to Hudson College faculty—particularly her mentor, Dr. Carpenter—for creating an encouraging environment in which to learn and work. Outside of her studies, Katie and her husband, Evan, serve in their local church and attend as many OU sporting events as possible.