About Us

Tucker Seifert is an aspiring historian, sociologist, and teacher, currently in the M.A. of History program at Appalachian State University. He aims to utilize research and community engagement to foster education and develop strategies to ameloriate the impacts of the opioid epidemic. Tucker's historical focus centers on bringing needed academic attention to the mountains of the Upland South, exploring the varied experiences of Appalachia and the Ozarks, while challenging long-held myths and misrepresentations. Focusing on the construction of Upland South identities across time and space provides a foundation to better employ sociological methods to provide harm reduction strategies for underserved rural populations. After graduatatuion, he hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology.

Contact: seifertt1@appstate.edu 

Katie Rodriguez is a M.A. student of Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University. Her research concentration is in prehistoric archaeology of southern Appalachia. Before starting her master’s program, she taught middle-grades science and created lesson plans that integrate student learning with outdoor exploration. When she’s not in the classroom, she works as a field archaeologist throughout the Southeast. After graduation, she hopes to share her expertise with local communities to celebrate the diverse heritage of the region. In her free time, she enjoys staying active while hiking, kayaking, and practicing yoga.