Conducting in-depth market research and developing behavior-changing campaigns may seem a far cry from as working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon, Central Africa. But, for Allison, it’s all part of the big picture. After two years in Africa providing environmental and health education—and perfecting her French—Allison parlayed her real-world experience into studies, earning her Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Whether learning how to get by in a new culture (from eating bugs to avoiding the elephant in the river) or formulating a strategy for a tobacco quit line, Allison combines an ability to maintain a fresh perspective with academic rigor and a genuine desire to improve the world.