The Stories from the Field series focuses on the "why" and "how" of community engagement and applied research. Each session, we invite speakers to tell us about their work and share stories that illustrate what this work actually looks like on the ground. We invite speakers to share why they approach their work the way they do, as well as some of the lessons they've learned along the way. Stories from the Field speakers represent a range of backgrounds and their work spans an even wider range of topics. Our hope is that all of these stories highlight the challenges and opportunities of doing work with and for communities. These events are open to the public and recordings of all talks are available below:
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June 6, 2025
"Wins," Losses, and Setbacks: Contending with the Colonial-racial Legal Geographies of Tenant Organizing in Spaces of Extreme Housing Exploitation
See our conversation about Daniela Aiello's comparative ethnographic research looking at tenant organizing around two sites of extreme housing exploitation in Vancouver, BC and Atlanta, GA. Drawing on two examples of legal "wins" for increased tenant protections and rent control, she discusses how approaches directed toward achieving legal protections can potentially backfire against the most vulnerable residents. Through this discussion, Daniela explores what a politics of deep relationality can contribute to tenant organizing.
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November 20, 2024
Where the rubber meets the road: Service, education, and research aboard the LION Mobile Clinic
Check out our conversation with researcher Kristina Brant and physician Michael McShane about how the LION Mobile Clinic provides health care in medically underserved areas, educates medical students, and incorporates community-engaged research to respond to community-identified needs and inform broader understandings of rural health.
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October 30, 2024
More than a football field: Youth-driven transformation in Pittsburgh
Catch our talk with Penn State Extension educators about how the Westinghouse Youth Project began with an effort to revitalize a school athletic field and expanded into a youth-driven initiative that includes turfgrass management, youth workforce development, mental health education, and engagement with the local community.
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March 21, 2024
Hope in Action: Preparing for a Changing Climate in our Communities
Watch the recording from our conversation with Local Climate Action Program (LCAP) co-directors Brandi Robinson and Peter Buck. LCAP is built on the idea that cooperation can help Pennsylvania’s communities reduce emissions and become more thriving, resilient, equitable places to call home.
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