I research and plan DIY (or tactical) interventions into both urban and rural spaces in an effort to make Winter Cities more livable. I co-facilitate interventions through our Participate studio that advises community groups and municipal governments on participatory design process and budgeting.
Much of my research is on Public Space. I am interested in who uses it, how it is designed, and how it can be re-designed to make it more democratic. I’ve worked with the Public Space Research Group and consulted with Project for Public Spaces.
I began co-facilitating the Photovoice methodology over 20 years ago during my graduate research in rural Honduras. Since then, I’ve co-facilitated participatory action research (PAR) projects using a variety of methods with partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. As a consultant for grantmaking institutions, I’ve adapted PAR methodologies to amplify the voices of marginalized community members who are often left out of decision-making conversations.
I research and write about women’s health and pop culture as well as home makeovers and citizenship. My early PhD research looked at the reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition through my experience on set and interviewing the show’s cast during a home makeover in Maryland.