I am a cultural and applied anthropologist studying environmental and public health disparities impacting racially- and socioeconomically marginalized populations. My dissertation research examined grassroots political organizing and the effects of natural resource policy on users of New Mexico’s “acequias” (community irrigation ditches). This research centered on human relationships with the environment and revealed disparities for Latinx and Native American citizens in access to food security, water safety, and governmental decision making surrounding natural resources. As an Associate Research Scientist at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, I have undertaken applied anthropological research on access to health care and insurance for Native American seniors, and implementation science studies on evidence-based, community-driven, and culturally-relevant strategies to improve health and health services disparities for underserved populations. Throughout my career, my work has emphasized participatory and community-driven strategies, critical pedagogy and knowledge sharing, and the translation of research to policy. I have a sustained interest in understanding and fostering place-based social support and community connectedness to improve health and wellbeing.
Center Highlights
