Joelle’s research interest involves applying progressive methodological tools and measures to assess the impact of community-led approaches and interventions to inform public health policies and approaches. Her research falls under the umbrella of advancing equity in chronic disease prevention and control; including topics of food access, dietary behaviors, tobacco prevention, and cancer care.

She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Spelman College, and her master’s in public health degree from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Prior to beginning her doctoral training, she worked in local and federal government including the Food and Drug Administration, HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), and the DC Department of Health Community Health Administration. Joelle is the founder and principle of Rodia consulting collaborative and works in community with black farmers and organizers on food sovereignty, food security, and food justice issues within the District of Columbia and the Mid-Atlantic region. She co-developed SouthEats, a cooperatively owned healthy meal-delivery business currently being piloted in Washington DC. She worked with Dr. Neff as a research assistant on the national NFACT Study that sought to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food access and food security.