Hannah Starnes earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from East Tennessee State University and conducted dermatological research on the human skin microbiome at Crown Laboratories. She is preparing to pursue her Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Summer 2026.

Her academic path reflects a deep commitment to bridging medicine, language, and international affairs. She has studied abroad in Seoul and Busan through the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS) and later at Yonsei University, where she completed courses in Korean language and North Korean human rights.

Looking ahead, Hannah will join Kyung Hee University’s College of Korean Medicine as a Visiting Research Trainee, conducting research at the intersection of dermatology and immunology. Her long-term goal is to pursue medical training as a physician-scientist in dermatology and dermatopathology in the U.S., with plans to return to Korea for fellowship. Through her work, she hopes to strengthen U.S.–Korea ties in medicine while serving underserved communities and ultimately establish a clinic dedicated to both the growing Korean Appalachian population and native Appalachians alike.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Hannah is an avid equestrian with more than 13 years of riding experience. She competes at the local, regional, and state levels in multiple disciplines, including hunter jumper, hunt seat, dressage, barrel racing, reining, and saddle seat.