Vera Institute of Justice

AJ was a research analyst in Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections. They worked on a year-long qualitative data collection and analysis of transgender people’s experiences in prisons and with re-integration after release. This project aims to inform policy change by illuminating the lived experiences of transgender people, and consists of a written survey instrument and an in-person semi-structured interview protocol. They also worked on an evaluation of college-in-prison programs.

Prior to joining Vera, AJ conducted qualitative research at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health to better understand the social sexualization processes of young gay and bisexual men in New York City. Their research background is in sociology and qualitative methods, and in 2017 they published, Butch? An Exploration of Female Masculinity in the 20^th Century. AJ has also worked with multiple grassroots organizations working towards trans liberation and collective liberation from capitalism. They hold a BA in Social Action/Social Change and Creative Writing from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA.