Ashley Rapp

3535 Green Brier Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

ashrap@umich.edu | 586.665.2223

EDUCATION
University of Michigan School of Public Health Ann Arbor, MI
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology Expected: April 2020
 Awarded Dean’s Scholarship

Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MI

Bachelor of Science in Psychology April 2018
Minors in Applied Statistics & Women and Gender Studies

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Suicide Prevention | Intentional Injury | Menstruation and Feminine Hygiene | Mental Health | Health
Disparities Across Sexual Orientations | Chronic Pain Management | Eating Disorders

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant 2018 – present
Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health
 GREMAP: Group for Research on the Epidemiology of Mobility, Aging, and Psychiatry
 Conducting both quantitative and qualitative research examining the comorbidities of psychiatric
conditions. Experience with meta-analyses, literature searches, qualitative coding, and
epidemiologic methodology.

Principal Investigator 2018

Grand Valley State University, Speech Lab
 Designed and executed a national award-winning study regarding the usage of virtual learning
and virtual interventions. Presented my paper at the National Association of Communication
Centers Conference.

The Rackham Summer Research Opportunity Program 2017

The University of Michigan, Department of Psychology
 Analyzed the relationship between nutrition and dementia onset and progression in diverse
populations. Created recruitment materials such as infographics and mailers, contacted
participants to collect data, and coded participant responses.

Survey Methodologist 2017

Grand Valley State University, College of Education
 Worked with faculty involved in the Engaged Department Initiative to recreate a survey regarding
faculty perceptions and involvement. Assessed past versions of the battery and designed a
measure reflective of the college’s goals.

Undergraduate Research Assistant 2016 - 2017

Grand Valley State University, Department of Psychology
 Bower-Russa Child Maltreatment Lab
 Assisted principal investigators in the creation of a clinical database. Led data management
efforts, coded medical data, and preformed reliability checks.
Undergraduate Research Assistant 2016
Grand Valley State University, Department of Psychology
 Dean Social Self Lab
 Assisted on a pilot project examining the interaction between feelings of vulnerability and
experience of social isolation. Interviewed participants, conducted literature searches, and
generated charts and graphics.

STATISTICAL PACKAGES
SPSS | SAS | R

RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Founder and President 2018 – Present
PERIOD at the University of Michigan
 Organized a teach-in on intersectionality within research and advocacy.
 Lead a campus- and community-wide drive for feminine hygiene products needed at
local clinics and shelters.
 Coordinated service and educational events such as the Menstruation Celebration to work on
combatting the stigma surrounding menstruation. Funded by UM Epidemiology DEI Committee
and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

Peer Educator 2017 – 2018

Grand Valley State University, University Counseling Center
 Represented the University Counseling Center at campus-wide events. Assisted in national
mental health screening days by recruiting students, relaying the benefits of participation, and
promoting available campus services. Organized a psychoeducational program called 7 Grand
Days designed to destigmatize mental health and promote self-care.
 QPR (suicide prevention strategy) certified; led 10 QPR certification sessions for students.

Campaign Organizer 2018

Wisam Naoum for the Michigan House of Representatives
 Acted as the social media manager and head of volunteer recruitment. Communicated with
organizations as they considered endorsement and donations and canvassed the district to learn
about residents’ issues and concerns.

Student Director 2017 – 2018

Grand Valley State University Speech Lab
 Directed student research activities and led community/campus engagement. Trained new
employees and established best practices.

Peer Research Mentor 2016 – 2017

Grand Valley State University, Women Gender and Sexuality Studies Department
 Assisted Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies students with the basics of database research.

Consultant 2015 – 2017

Grand Valley State University Speech Lab
 Empower students at each stage of the speech-making process to become more confident public
speakers. Works with students on aspects of speech writing, speech delivery, and overcoming
speech anxiety.
 PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Brown, C., & Rapp, A. (2018, April). Consultants in the Classroom: A Comparison of
Empowerment for Two Models. Paper presented at the National Association of Communication
Centers Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.

Rapp, A. (2017, July). The Influence of Early Life Diet on Dementia Risk and Progression.
Paper presented at the University of Michigan Summer Research Opportunity Program
Symposium, Ann Arbor, MI.

Rapp, A., & Costantini, B. (2017, April). Virtual Learning: Assessing the Need for Video
Consultations. Paper presented at the National Association of Communication Centers
Conference, Grand Rapids, MI.

Lane, J., Rapp, A., Shaw, C., & Ulrey, J. (2017, April). The Mutually Beneficial Relationship
between the Center and Greek Life. Paper presented at the National Association of
Communication Centers Conference, Grand Rapids, MI.

Rapp, A., & Brown, C. (2016, April). The Center as a Public Forum: Coordinating Public
Speaking Competitions. Paper presented at the National Association of Communication Centers
Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Dean’s Award 2018
University of Michigan School of Public Health
50% tuition scholarship awarded to an exceptional incoming student.

Thomas M. Seykora Award for Outstanding Contribution 2018

Grand Valley State University
Top recognition for significant contributions to the university for my research, public speaking consulting,
and activist organizing.

Joyce Ferguson Faculty Paper Award 2018

National Association of Communication Centers Conference 2018
National research award won alongside my mentor for research conducted on classroom learning styles
and interventions.

Bob and Ann Weiss Undergraduate Research Paper Award 2018

National Association of Communication Centers Conference 2017
National undergraduate research award for independent research conducted on virtual learning.

Consultant of the Year 2016 & 2018

Grand Valley State University
Awarded the university’s tutor of the year award for my work at my institution’s communication center.
Was a finalist for the National Communications Tutor of the Year Award.

Statistics Book Scholarship 2017

Grand Valley State University
Scholarship for outstanding performance in statistics courses awarded to a Statistics student each year.