Dr. Jessica Salas-Brooks (Ph.D., Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University) serves as an Assistant Research Professor in the Center for Transition and Career Innovation (CTCI) at the University of Maryland. She has over a decade of experience conducting applied research, evaluation studies, developing technical assistance strategies, promoting equitable engagement, and being an advocate for children with diverse needs. Dr. Salas-Brooks has led local and national research and evaluation initiatives in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Red Cross, and the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA). These projects focused on public health and youth safety. She developed logic models, analytic plans (both qualitative and quantitative), and reports that synthesized complex data into actionable recommendations. Dr. Salas-Brooks led cross-sector engagement efforts and produced public-facing resources that informed community practices. She has also provided technical assistance and led participatory research that emphasized co-creation. In addition to her research and program management experience, Dr. Salas-Brooks has curated programming and fostered leadership development opportunities for early-career professionals. The Center for Transition & Career Innovation’s (CTCI) mission of improving the quality of life for students and youth with disabilities directly aligns with her personal commitment to public service.