It’s an honor to receive the American Folklife Center’s 2026 Gerald E. and Corinne L. Parsons Fund Award for my research and future book project, “As I Roved Out: Jean Ritchie as Folk Musician, Folklorist, and Appalachian Advocate.” The award funds will support my research into the life and work of Kentucky folk musician, folklorist, and record label owner, Jean Ritchie, focusing specifically on her early years in New York City during the nascent folk revival, her work as a folklorist in Ireland, England and Scotland, and roles as a representative of and advocate for Appalachia and Appalachian culture.