Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
I worked with the research department at HBO's Emmy award-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver to gather information for news and enterprise stories. The most frequent subject was the 2016 presidential election, but I investigated everything from food poisoning in America to public opinion of Thailand's prince. My research was also used to recruit guests for the show, such as the Dalai Lama.
Public Policy and Opinion Research, The Center for Michigan
The nonprofit, nonpartisan Center for Michigan engaged state residents to identify their public policy priorities, then amplify those views to state leaders to achieve positive policy change. As Public Engagement Director, I compiled policy fact guides for participants in our statewide public engagement campaigns and authored the final campaign report delivered to state legislators.
Policy Guides:
Campaign Reports:
The Big Politics of Tiny Houses
Though land use regulation is most often blamed for the blockade of tiny house villages, I found that long-term relationships between local housed and homeless populations were the deciding factor in the success or dismissal of a village proposal by the local city council. The battles over where to place tiny house villages reveal the strong hold class has on the physicality of American cities. This thesis draws on a literature review, cross-country stakeholder interviews, and analysis of local building and zoning codes. It received High Honors from cross-department advisors.
