Research doesn't end with publication.
Some questions belong in classrooms. Others belong in courtrooms, hospitals, community meetings, galleries, legislatures, and public squares.
Over the past decade, my work has moved between those spaces, bringing together community members, artists, healthcare providers, legal advocates, researchers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to contribute to public conversations about health, justice, environmental policy, death care, and human rights.
For me, public engagement is another form of scholarship. It is where ideas are tested, challenged, shared, and translated into practice.
The work below documents some of those conversations.
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS & MATERNAL HEALTH
Birth Support During COVID-19
PASSED: New York Executive Order No. 202.13 (March 28, 2020)
Community advocacy, coalition-building, and public engagement helped restore the right of laboring individuals in New York to have one support person present during childbirth after hospitals barred partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Women Will Not Be Forced to Be Alone When They Are Giving Birth." — The New York Times
Lactation Access in Public Services
PASSED: New York City Council Intro 1057-A
Community advocacy contributed to New York City's requirement that designated public-facing municipal offices — including HRA Job Centers, Medical Assistance Program offices, and other municipal service centers — provide dedicated lactation rooms for breastfeeding parents.
Breastfeeding Rights & Public Education
Supported public education and advocacy promoting breastfeeding rights, maternal health, and equitable access to breastfeeding in public spaces and government services.
Statewide Doula Advocacy
New York State Senate Bill S3344B
Participated in statewide public advocacy surrounding legislation affecting doula certification and access, supporting expanded access to doula services while advocating for community-centered implementation, equitable access, and meaningful inclusion of practicing doulas in the legislative process.
"The intention of this bill is good, but the execution was not." — New York Magazine
DEATH CARE & PUBLIC HEALTH
Temporary Morgue & Funeral Equity
Advocated for dignified treatment of New Yorkers who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, including equitable access to funeral assistance and improved communication with surviving families.
"…every effort is made to reach relatives of the deceased and help with applications for government-paid funeral reimbursement." — The Associated Press
Hometown Heroes Parade
Advocated for recognition of funeral directors, embalmers, crematory workers, cemetery staff, and other death care professionals whose essential work during the pandemic was initially overlooked.
"I want my son to know what I do matters, and what all these people do matters." — Gothamist
PUBLIC HEALTH
Community Response During COVID-19
Worked alongside elected officials and community organizations to address gaps in neighborhood services affecting vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Adams, elected officials write letter to mayor asking for solution for lack of laundromats in Red Hook." — Brooklyn Reporter
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE • PUBLIC HEALTH • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PASSED: Our Air Our Water Act; New York City Council Intro 4 (formerly Intro 1050)
Community advocacy in Red Hook helped advance environmental protections addressing cruise ship emissions, neighborhood traffic, and waterfront public health. Working alongside residents, community organizations, and elected officials, the campaign supported legislation requiring qualifying cruise ships to connect to shore power while docked while improving accountability for neighborhood traffic impacts.
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
Presidential Alert System & Digital Privacy
Examined constitutional questions surrounding the Presidential Alert System and digital privacy.
Could the Presidential Text Message Alert System be in Violation of Privacy Rights Afforded by the First and Fourth Amendment?” — National Law Review
”The judge called the constitutional questions raised by the lawsuit significant." — The Associated Press
ELDER RIGHTS • DISASTER RECOVERY
FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform
Following Hurricane Sandy, advocated for disaster recovery fairness affecting older adults and vulnerable homeowners. Subsequent media attention contributed to broader legislative reform addressing FEMA disaster assistance recoupment.
Outcome: FEMA Disaster Assistance Recoupment Fairness Act of 2015