I'm a geographer studying how to make urban neighborhoods and food systems healthier and more equitable. My broad interests are in urban development and inequality, geographic information systems, political geography, and place effects on health. More specifically, my research focuses on the role of maps and spatial analysis in shaping our understanding of hunger, housing, poverty, and neighborhood development. I'm also interested in the role of participatory research methods in mobilizing community action around these issues.
I am currently recruiting graduate students interested in studying disparities in access to food and housing, participatory and engaged research, and open source GIS tools. As a member of the Community Mapping Lab, students will gain experience with community engaged research, supervising and mentoring undergraduates, and networking with others through the newly formed Community Geographies Collaborative. I am most interested in working with students who have a demonstrated interest in community-based research. UGA provides four years of guaranteed funding for PhD students.
My current projects include the following:
Developing the field of community geography through leadership in the newly formed Community Geographies Collective and UGA's Community Mapping Lab (CML)
Assisting with analysis of archival data on the Linnentown neighborhood in Athens. This includes a recent study on financial losses to former residents that is available on the CML website.
Developing an evaluation of charitable food sources with the Georgia Food Bank Association, part of broader work with SNAP-Ed at the University of Georgia
You are welcome to contact me for more information.