My name is Noor Qaragholi, and I am a Bloomberg Fellow and Lead Research Analyst at the Policy and Research Group in New Orleans. I collaborate with state and local governments, community organizations, and schools to evaluate programs that improve adolescent health and educational outcomes while reducing violence and sexual risk behaviors. With so many new and creative initiatives emerging to support young people, our goal is to understand which programs truly work—especially in settings or among groups that have historically been underserved. To answer these questions, we use a wide range of research methods that help policymakers, schools, and other partners identify effective, evidence-based approaches that lead to meaningful change. One of my favorite parts of this work is data translation: making research findings accessible, actionable, and useful for the communities we serve. By turning complex concepts into practical tools, we support diverse teams in developing new approaches, conducting rigorous research, and expanding the evidence base to advance equity in adolescent health. My experiences in the Bloomberg Fellowship program and at the Policy and Research Group have strengthened my commitment to identifying equitable, effective programs and policies that truly improve adolescent health.
