gender equality – Wicked Problems, Wicked Solutions

After Biden column, I now use ‘Dr.’ when referring to my colleagues. Here’s why.

This piece first appeared on the Tallahassee Democrat. A national firestorm has erupted over a commentary published in the Wall Street Journal over Jill Biden’s use of “Dr.” as a prefix to her name. I now use the honorific, which is common in higher education, but I largely ignored it prior to coming to Florida State University…

New Abortion Laws Contribute to Sexist Environments that Harm Everyone’s Health

This piece first appeared in The Conversation. Nine states have passed laws in 2019 alone that restrict abortion at the earliest stages of pregnancy. Those of us who study public health are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential for negative health consequences of these kinds of policies on women. That’s because research has shown that laws limiting reproductive rights and services…

BetterWorldBooks Promotes Literacy Through Enterprise

etterWordBooks is an example of a growing trend within the US and across the globe to define their businesses in terms of improving the welfare and prospects for marginalized people and communities. Using a sustainable business model where profits also serve their social mission, children, families, and the planet benefit.

Women’s Stalled Advancement: A Work-Family or a Work-Hours Problem

Solutions require a reconsideration of the demand for a long-hours work culture that impedes the ability of both genders to combine home and work—although it is women who pay higher workplace costs. Such a reconsideration is possible. As individual families and employees push back against overwork, they lay the groundwork for others to follow, and the demand for change swells. At the same time, as more research shows the business advantage of reasonable work hours, some employers have come to question the wisdom of grueling work hours. If and when these forces gain traction, neither women nor men will feel the need to sacrifice the home or the work domain, and women might begin to gain workplace equality with men.

Social Science Scholar: Promoting Civil Society and Open Government in Jordan

From this experience I developed an interest in issues such as state policy capture, in which policy decisions are directed away from the public interest towards a specific interest and can undermine democratic values and trust in government. My summer experience has served to empower me achieve my goals of one day conducting research, writing, and lobbying for policy which protects civil liberties and mainstreams human rights with a regional focus of the Middle East and North Africa. I intend continue my education to assist in similar endeavors and high-level policy research and analysis at a broader level.