Fallon's guests today are Dr. Richard L. Watkins, PhD and Val Applewhite.

Richard Watkins earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014 in Microbiology and Immunology with a specialty in Virology. His research focused on the factors that influence disease progression towards AIDS in HIV-infected patients. Prior to attending UNC, Dr. Watkins earned a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Fayetteville State University in 2007. He played varsity football for Fayetteville State University throughout his entire undergraduate experience.

Richard is the founder and CEO of The Science Policy Action Network, Inc. (SPAN), formed in 2014 to fill dangerous gaps between scientific advancement and stakeholders. SPAN envisions a scientific enterprise that grows and creates opportunities, binding its success with the prosperity of society as a whole.

Find out more and contact Dr. Watkins at http://www.RichardLWatkins.com

Val Applewhite joins the conversation on behalf of Healthier Together NC & NC Counts.

With more than 10 years of organizational advocacy experience building economic, social, and political power in marginalized communities across Southeastern North Carolina, she currently serves the organization and community as Healthier Together Regional Director, Region 5.

A life-long public servant, she is a former 3-term Fayetteville City Councilwoman and is a retired 20 year United States Air Force veteran.

Val holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Strayer University and a Master of Science in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University.

Learn more when you contact Ms. Appelwhite at [email protected].