About me
I am an anthropologist with a decade of experience designing and conducting qualitative research on topics of risk, exposure, and environmental justice. I currently work with an inter-disciplinary team and community collaborators to research substance use disorders, controlled substance prescribing practices, and health equity with Comagine Health.
Current Projects
2021 – Present
As part of the Research and Evaluation Team at Comagine Health, I’m working on:
Evaluating new Prescription Drug Monitoring Program tools used by clinicians and pharmacists across Oregon to inform better prescribing practices;
Bringing together providers in Umatilla County to support the whole health and wellbeing of people who use drugs across the recovery continuum with increased access to preventive and collaborative care;
Evaluating Measure 110, the innovative policy in Oregon to decriminalize personal possession and expand access to care for people who use drugs. Read about our project at DrugDecrimOregon.org.
Dissertation Research
2013 – 2020
My dissertation is on the long-term impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in environmental and health terms on Gulf Coast communities. I show how medical and legal definitions of causality and inadequate access to care create barriers for exposed communities to gain recognition for their chronic conditions. In the face of these difficulties, people create alternatives for understanding exposures and caring for illnesses after environmental disasters.
Etc.
Ongoing
Outside of work, I dote on my pets and houseplants, watch many movies, buy and sell vintage clothing, and read the most complex sci-fi novels I can find. I also collaboratively edit the Journal for Anthropology of North America.