Sam (they/them) is a researcher, evaluator, and writer trained in medical anthropology and public health. They are interested in critical, social justice-oriented work that brings together research, creativity, and practice. Sam aims to center marginalized communities and equitable solutions in all that they do.

Sam received their PhD in 2021 from UC San Diego, where they worked with a community-based refugee service organization to co-design a vaccine education experience with refugee communities. This work emphasized the influence of structural issues (such as medical racism and ableism) on vaccination and how funding practices impact the potential of community-driven interventions to advance equity. Sam has also worked for non-profit organizations as a Director and Consultant, where they focused on advancing organizational equity and broader systems change. 

Sam is passionate about storytelling and accessible communication around structural issues, policy, science, and disability justice. To this end, they have served as a Policy & Civic Engagement Fellow with Disability Belongs, a Policy Volunteer with the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, and a Public Voices Fellow with the OpEd Project & AcademyHealth.

Sam remains active in San Diego area organizing, non-profit consulting, and disability advocacy work. Outside of work, they enjoy playing video games, reading science fiction and fantasy books, walking their two small dogs, swimming, yoga, hiking, and spending time with their partner.