My training in public health emphasized evidence-based planning and outcomes as highly valued and best practices for developing public health initiatives. During my MPH training, the program's statistics classes gave me a better understanding of the underlying assumptions associated with statistical tests and helped me adapt this knowledge to simulated problem sets. Additionally, I experienced the usefulness of data analytics to address community health issues while assisting with the Delavan-Grider project. The Delavan-Grider project was designed to improve the health of the community adjacent to the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). I attended community meetings and distributed pamphlets detailing the results of a community health assessment. Through this project, community members received a powerful tool that allowed them to make healthier choices. Understanding the influence of statistical analysis beyond the scope of a research project was unique and instrumental in my decision to apply for the Advanced Certificate in Applied Statistics program