CTSI Partner Spotlight Adriana Simmons
Research Intern, Schuylkill County Substance Use and Addiction Task Force, Penn State Biobehavioral Health, Class of 2027
In our Partner Spotlight series, we highlight the dedicated individuals and organizations collaborating with Penn State CTSI to create healthier, more engaged communities.
For Adriana Simmons, a Biobehavioral Health major and Biology minor at Penn State, creating meaningful change in public health starts with a simple but profound step: listening.
"One important lesson is that meaningful change starts with listening to the community and understanding people’s real experiences," Adriana shared when reflecting on her time as a research intern with the Schuylkill County Substance Use and Addiction Task Force.
This summer, Adriana provided vital part-time research support for the task force, which focuses on improving awareness of available addiction-related resources and creating practical tools to connect residents to support.
Mapping Resources and Breaking Down Barriers
Adriana's work was highly impactful and deeply collaborative. She compiled common themes from 15 key informant interviews with consumers, service providers, and stakeholders to help map regional barriers and assets. She also played a key role in developing the 'Schuylkill County Cares' infographic—a comprehensive resource map highlighting local and national services.
"People may be surprised by how collaborative the Task Force is, bringing together educators, healthcare professionals, local leaders, and community residents to work toward shared goals," Adriana noted. She was particularly impressed by the group's emphasis on creating low-cost, easy-to-understand resources that are accessible even for people with limited internet access or digital literacy.
Her dedication to the project allowed her to gain valuable technical skills, including proficiency in REDCap data entry, and earned her a named inclusion on the project's research poster presented at the Pennsylvania Community and Public Health Conference.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Adriana's ultimate goal is to become a genetic counselor. To support this ambition, CTSI leadership connected her with the Director and Founder of the Penn State Health Cancer Genetics Program for immersive clinical exposure, bridging her community-based research experience with her future clinical aspirations.
In a heartfelt message to her mentors, Adriana expressed her gratitude:
"Each of these experiences has strengthened my research skills and given me a much greater appreciation for community-based research and interdisciplinary collaboration."
For Adriana, the inspiration to do this work comes from the opportunity to support individuals and families affected by substance use and to help strengthen the community as a whole.
"Seeing people come together from different backgrounds to create meaningful change is both motivating and rewarding."
Get to Know Adriana:
How she recharges: Outside of work, she enjoys doing gel manicures for herself and others as a creative outlet. She also loves crafting and spending time working on hands-on projects to relax and unwind.
What a "win" looks like for her: "Creating resources or programs that make it easier for someone to access support, feel informed, or take a step toward recovery."
What she wants you to know about her work: "Addressing substance use requires community collaboration, compassion, and accessible resources. Small efforts, like improving awareness of available services and listening to community needs, can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives."