Michele Boehm is a Research Specialist at West Virginia University’s Health Affairs Institute. West Virginia University Health Affairs Institute, West Virginia’s public health institute, is a progressive, data-driven social enterprise that leverages the University’s R1 research designation and land-grant mission to serve the state and nation. West Virginia University’s Health Affairs Institute offers expertise in program development and management, large-scale program evaluation and research, and health data analytics to influence positive social changes and improve lives.

In her role, Michele researches the impacts of changes to Medicaid policy on the health of West Virginians. Her work helps to inform policy implementation, communication, and evaluation efforts of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. Additionally, Michele is working to recruit and train in-home caregivers to staff the direct care shortage in the state along with identifying areas of policy, reimbursement and pay structures, and insurance that may affect this unique healthcare workforce.

Michele has learned a lot from her position with West Virginia University’s Health Affairs Institute including developing skills and knowledge regarding mixed methods research, interviewing and qualitative analysis, policy analysis, writing issue briefs, writing for a state government audience, communicating with advocacy groups, and the American insurance landscape. Michele seeks to utilize her communication background wherever she can - be it in interpersonal conversations with stakeholders or assessing promotional efforts and paid media on projects.

Her drive and enthusiasm shine through in her work, guided by a quote she shared:
“I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life… if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be.”

― Roald Dahl, My Uncle Oswald

With every project, Michele is proving how communication and research can work hand-in-hand to improve public health systems and outcomes