Dr. Lauren Martin has a profound understanding of the social determinants of health that goes well beyond the biomedical model of disease and re-imagines whole-person health of society’s most vulnerable populations. Her community-engaged work with diverse groups by class, race, gender, dignity affirming or dignity denying experiences, and limited autonomy/agency has been funded in numerous projects and her work has been acknowledged locally and nationally. Her commitment to integrating the understanding and policy for redressing these factors through her research is outstanding. For example, she has conducted studies that aim to build capacity of black women in north Minneapolis around wealth building and political action for future housing stability; and estimate the prevalence of sexual exploitation among adolescents in Minnesota, and explore risk and protective factors. These recent studies add to her foundational work in transportation equity and the community engagement of marginalized groups such as sex workers, exotic dancers, and persons on probation, and have broad and deep implications for prevention and early intervention as well as policy change. Her thoughtful approach to study and her engagement with students and other faculty in her work are further exemplary practices. She elevates the commitment to understanding the social determinants of health within our school and beyond.