About Us

What project/research did you work on? I contributed to the ARC partnership with the Salvation Army in Jamaica, Queens on nutrition education and community gardens for families in transitional housing. I also attended the Contribution Project final presentation at the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem and helped set up the annual ARC symposium. I also had an opportunity to advance my dissertation research, centered around a collaboration with two food pantries in New York City. I was able to meet with my community partners in person and conduct field observations.

What did you enjoy or find most meaningful? What I found most meaningful was learning about what authentic community engagement involves – consistently showing up, having genuine conversations to understand each community’s most pressing needs, and collaboratively find solutions together. This way of listening and building partnerships continues to shape how I approach my work.

Describe your experience in one sentence: This RA experience was supportive, experiential, and community-centered.

What project/research did you work on? Supporting ARC’s evaluation of the Double Up Food Bucks loyalty card program. I helped develop an interview guide, recruit participants, conduct interviews, code and thematically analyze transcripts, and draft a research brief that was eventually submitted to an academic journal for peer-review. I also observed trainings and workshops at the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem; did peer reviewing for an academic journal; and met with potential research collaborators.

What did you enjoy or find most meaningful? After conducting my dissertation data collection in the year prior to this GRA role, I was a bit burnt out and hitting a wall with my own work. It was reinvigorating to receive guidance from Dr. Leak and Dr. Lewis and to meet with researchers and food system advocates from a network of different organizations across New York City. I felt like I could be excited about my research again!

Describe your experience in one sentence: This RA experience was a chance to explore New York City and reconnect with my love for community-based research.

What project/research did you work on? I helped launch the PRISM Study while working onsite at the Ali Forney Center in Manhattan, a longitudinal study examining the development of LGBTQ identity and its implications for mental health and well-being among LGBTQ adolescents. Through community-based participatory research, we sought to better understand the lived experiences of LGBTQ youth, including the role of chosen family, social media, microaggressions, and affirmations in shaping identity and mental health.

What did you enjoy or find most meaningful? Seeing firsthand how research and community practice intersect. Being in Manhattan made the work feel immediate and relational, something that can feel lacking when so much of the research process takes place in front of a screen. I enjoyed conversations with staff, observing programming, and understanding the day-to-day realities of LGBTQ youth experiencing housing instability. The mentorship I received from Dr. Leak and Dr. Lewis was equally formative. Their approach to community-engaged scholarship deeply influenced my development as a researcher, and I later invited Dr. Lewis to serve on my doctoral committee. In addition, living in Manhattan for the month of June was lovely.

Describe your experience in one sentence: This was an immersive month in New York City where I learned how scholarship can move beyond the academy and become impactful to the communities it aims to serve.

What project/research did you work on? I explored community partners and got to work in-person with New York City-based lab.

What did you enjoy or find most meaningful? I loved going on a run in Central Park before heading to the office, and then going back after work to read a book.

Describe your experience in one sentence: Because of all the personal and professional connections I made, this RA experience was so fun!