Research on Gang Violence, Communities, and What Works
My research focuses on community violence, gangs and criminal networks, and the programs designed to respond to them. I’m especially interested in how these issues actually play out in real communities and what it takes to address them in meaningful, practical ways.
A lot of my work is shaped by applied research and evaluation projects, working alongside organizations and initiatives in places like Los Angeles and Denver. I’m interested in bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring the work doesn’t just stay on paper but connects to the people and communities it’s meant to serve.
This page is where I share my research, publications, and ongoing projects.
Navigating the Pandemic
COVID-19 was a time of chaos and uncertainty. Life as we knew it changed fundamentally. However, crime and violence still needed to be addressed. In this study, I looked into how the GRID program navigated instability and uncertainty during COVID. My results revealed that the value of stable leadership cannot be understated, but the people who work hard to prevent violence are a resilient bunch. This paper’s contributions are not limited to the pandemic but can be applied to any organization undergoing a shock to the system.
Pilot Evaluation of GRID
This is the study that helped launch the federally funded randomized controlled trial.
Read the article here.
Gang Research
I have conducted research in various areas. I have articles looking at gang definitions, gangs across the life-course, gang homicide, and behavioral issues because of gang membership. See my CV to read these papers!