Savannah H. Reitzel is a dedicated social and behavioral scientist with a deep-rooted passion for advancing health equity. Her research intricately explores the complex mechanisms by which social and environmental stressors contribute to disparities in healthcare access, utilization, and outcomes, particularly for incarcerated women and other underserved populations. As a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Population Health, Savannah’s dissertation, "THRIVE: Transformative Health and Reproductive Information for Incarcerated Women’s Empowerment," has received significant acclaim, including a notable fellowship grant from the National Institute of Justice. Her work is characterized by a community-centric approach, which has led to her presenting at national conferences, publications in respected peer-reviewed journals, and earning prestigious recognitions like the 2022 AACR Scholar-in-Training Award. Further extending her impact, Savannah actively collaborates with community organizations such as the Humanization Project, applying her expertise to advocate for and humanize the lives of those behind bars. Prior to her Ph.D. studies, Savannah received her B.S. (2020) and M.P.H (2021) from Boston University.
