Mrs. Kristin Merss is a registered nurse and PhD student at University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Nursing. Her PhD studies focus on the intersection of incarceration health and nursing interventions to enhance success during release and return to the community. Since 2021, Mrs. Merss has been volunteering to support the COVID-19 vaccination of incarcerated people. She is passionate about public health, support during transitions, mental health, and the power of nursing, and is involved in supporting public and health policy.