Erin Darnell

Tell us about your personal and professional journey.

After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Illinois Springfield with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and induction into Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, I continued my work as a traveling dental hygienist serving residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities throughout Illinois. 

Today, I work with some of Illinois’ most vulnerable populations, many of whom rely on Medicaid and other public programs to access healthcare services. Providing care in nursing homes and long-term care facilities has given me a firsthand understanding of how policy decisions made at the state and federal levels influence health outcomes, access to care, and quality of life. 

My academic experience at UIS allowed me to connect my professional background in healthcare with my growing interest in public policy. Through coursework, research, and an internship focused on Medicaid and dental access, I explored how government policies can create opportunities—or barriers to—essential healthcare services. My capstone research project examined the relationship between Medicaid expansion and adult dental access, combining my professional experience with the policy questions that first inspired me to pursue a political science degree.

One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at UIS was serving as a page in the Illinois House of Representatives. Spending time at the State Capitol, observing the legislative process firsthand, and interacting with elected officials and staff brought classroom concepts to life. Those experiences deepened my appreciation for public service and reinforced my interest in the policymaking process. The Capitol remains a special place for me because it represents the connection between ideas, public service, and the real-world impact of government decisions. 

Looking ahead, I hope to continue combining my healthcare experience with my interest in public policy. Whether through healthcare advocacy, public health initiatives, policy research, government service, or work with nonprofit organizations, I remain committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations and contributing to meaningful public policy discussions.