Addison Witkes

Background

About Addison Witkes

Current second-year public health student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, also studying microbiology, with an expected graduation of 2027. Currently working as a Peer Health Educator in UMass RecWell, providing education and wellness services to students. Strong interests include biostatistics and epidemiology. I am driven by the intersection of science and community health, with a particular focus on evidence-based community outreach.Currently working in the Alkema Lab on a biostatistics and data visualization project focused on global family planning and contraceptive use. The project involves developing an R package to visualize country-level contraceptive method-mix data through interactive trend plots, comparative summaries, and overview graphics, supporting improved access to reproductive health data at the intersection of biostatistics, data visualization, and global reproductive health.Three years of experience working with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, including as a head lifeguard as well as leading a community aquatics program through the Manny 267 Foundation that provided water safety and swim education to children and families with limited access to these resources.Longstanding involvement in Girl Scouts, including service on the Board of Directors, the Girl Leadership Board, and as a National Council Session Delegate in 2020 and 2023. Currently serving as a co-leader for a 4th-grade troop in Amherst.Active involvement at UMass includes Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, the Public Health Club, and the Association of Women in Science. Future career interests include public health medicine and epidemiology.Contact: awitkes@umass.edu