Meghan focuses her research on the relationship between the built environment, nature and community health. In particular, she is interested in the social aspects of these relationships and aging in place. During her doctoral research, she hopes to better understand how housing and community development organizations are leading this work and what data indicators are most relevant for professionals interested in improving community health. Meghan intends to work with community development organizations to co-design research questions and communicate evidence for policy change.

During her doctoral studies at UB, Meghan will learn tools of epidemiology, statistics and public health, and further develop her knowledge of planning, housing policy and geographic analysis to better understand her research questions and their applications. 

As a UB Presidential Fellow, she is excited for interdisciplinary research collaborations with other PhD students across UB. Meghan hopes to return to Alaska to teach, research and contribute to the sustainability of urban communities in the peri-Arctic region.