Sierra Birdsong

Graduate Research Assistant 

Sierra Birdsong is a Ph.D. student in Health Law, Policy, and Management at Meharry Medical College’s School of Global Health. Her passion for advancing health equity and community advocacy led her to join Dr. Wansoo Im’s research team as a Graduate Research Assistant, where she contributes to GIS-based community mapping projects such as the CHW Mapping Project and the Wildfire Disaster Preparedness Project.

In addition to her research, Sierra supports content development and communications, translating complex data and public health information into clear, accessible messages for communities and stakeholders. Her academic interests include bioethics, mental health equity, and the structural determinants of care access. Sierra’s work reflects her commitment to using research, ethics, and storytelling to create equitable, community-driven solutions that promote dignity and justice in public health.