The research perspective
“I’ve spent years studying public health and learning to conduct research. Research teaches us the questions that are worth asking.”
Research, Lived.
Dr. Naomi Patterson
Public health researcher and writer exploring what research tells us, what lived experience reveals, and the space between the two.
Two lenses
The lived perspective
“I live with multiple sclerosis. This means constantly negotiating between what you want to do, what your body will let you do, and what you’re willing to accept.”
Both, in conversation
“I’m interested in what we learn when we put those perspectives in conversation with each other. That’s where Research, Lived begins.”
About
Turning complex data into insights that improve health.
Hi, I’m Naomi. I have a PhD in Public Health from Tulane and an MPH from Emory, and I live with a disability, so I see health from both the research side and the lived side. Research, Lived is where those two meet.
- PhD, Public Health
- Tulane University, 2024
- MPH, Global Health
- Emory University, Infectious Disease
- Writer
- Research, Lived. on Substack
Writing
Essays from Research, Lived.
Honest conversations about health, disability, research and life. New essays on Tuesdays.
Subscribe on Substack (opens in a new tab)-
Was that right? (opens in a new tab)
How do we judge a decision when we don’t know how it will turn out?
“A good decision can turn out badly, and a bad one can get lucky.”
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Is it mine or is it yours? (opens in a new tab)
When does remembering become learning?
“Sometimes we remember the idea but forget where it came from.”
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The sign is mine (opens in a new tab)
Living with the visibility of mobility aids.
“I walked around feeling like there was a sign following me. Disabled. Flashing above my head… But that sign is mine. I put it there.”
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Getting my independence back? (opens in a new tab)
What does independence actually mean when you’re not sure you have it?
“In the end, independence is a mixture of stubbornness and pride for me, and that’s a definition of independence I can live with.”
My path
- Data analysis
- SAS
- REDCap
- Qualitative interviewing
- Scientific writing
- Health equity
Present
Consultant and Writer
Independent · Research, Lived.
Helps researchers and organizations turn complex findings into clear, usable writing, and writes Research, Lived., essays on what research tells us and what lived experience reveals.
2021 – 2024
Doctoral Fellow
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Worked to promote health equity within the Tulane University Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health (CEMCH).
2019 – 2024
PhD, Public Health
Tulane University, Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences.
2020
Research Associate
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Conducted qualitative interviews with community members to evaluate perceived risk and compliance with recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2017
Laboratory Intern
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta
Composed and edited a 22-page manuscript on lessons learned from polio vaccination programs, applied to rotavirus vaccination programs and control.
2016 – 2018
MPH, Global Health
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
Infectious Disease concentration. Thesis: The Impact of Immune Activation on BCG Vaccine Response.
2016 – 2017
Data Analyst
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
Analyzed and cleaned data in REDCap to evaluate long-term health and pregnancy outcomes of adults diagnosed with heart defects as children.
2011 – 2015
Laboratory Assistant
Williams College
Synthesized and presented research on the immune response of the Arabidopsis plant to agrobacterium infection.
Work with Naomi
Evidence, explained by someone who lives it.
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Research communication
Plain-language writing that turns complex findings into something people can use.
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Evidence reviews
Focused summaries of what the research says, including its methods, limits and uncertainty.
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Lived-experience advisory
Input on studies, materials and products from a researcher who also lives with disability.
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Speaking & panels
Talks and panels on disability, public health, accessibility and independence.
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Commissioned writing
Essays and explainers for publications, organizations and newsletters.
Every project is scoped individually. Funding and conflicts are disclosed, and sponsors cannot buy conclusions.