Based on data from a diverse selection of HIV-positive women across the Chicagoland area, the HHR study is concerned with how HIV-positive women make ends meet. We are interested in how money and health mix by talking to women about how they cope financially while living with HIV. We ask how HIV-positive women find and access resources for help; cope with financial obstacles they may encounter; move up in their jobs; take care of their families; and manage their health while paying their bills.
We pay special attention to how race, gender, class, and sexual orientation affect the women’s opportunities and experiences and how public policies, labor markets, and neighborhoods shape their tools for survival and upward mobility. With this study, we aim to increase awareness of the successes and obstacles of women living with HIV/AIDS, illuminate how social and economic inequalities inform the AIDS epidemic, and point to strategies that help women take care of their economic resources and their health.
Jean Beaman is a postdoctoral fellow with the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University. In fall 2010, she received her Ph.D. in Sociology from Northwestern University (where she also received her BA and MA in Sociology). Her dissertation examines issues of cultural identity and marginalization among second generation North African immigrants in France.
Dr. Beaman also worked on the Sister to Sister Pilot Study and has volunteer experience with several HIV organizations. Originally from Columbia, Maryland, her research interests include race/ethnicity, culture, urban sociology, and women and HIV/AIDS.
“Being part of the HHR study has truly enriched my life. The opportunities to learn the complexity of women’s experiences living with HIV/AIDS has allowed me to deepen my understanding of social inequality in Chicago and beyond.”
~ JEAN BEAMAN, Ph.D.
Elyse Kovalsky is a fourth-year graduate student in the Sociology Department at Northwestern University. She is interested in how our health and education systems play a role in shaping patterns of inequality. Before coming to Northwestern, Elyse was involved in several public health projects. She worked as a health educator in El Alto, Bolivia, focusing on sexual and reproductive health, and worked with the Academy of Educational Development on international HIV prevention programs. She also worked at the California Primary Care Association, managing a quality improvement project that partnered with community clinics across the state.
“I am honored to participate in this project and to have the opportunity to listen to and share with the incredible women that have participated in HHR. I have learned so much from the mothers, daughters, workers, sisters, wives, girlfriends, storytellers, friends, and activists with whom I have spoken, and I hope that we can draw on their experiences to develop more effective HIV programs and policies.”
~ ELYSE KOVLASKY
Marisol Mastrangelo is a Research Assistant for the Health, Hardship, and Renewal Study. Her research interests include urban sociology, social stratification, and racial inequality. Prior to joining the project, she worked at the Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago. Marisol is a doctoral student in the Sociology department at Northwestern University, where she also received her B.A. in Journalism in 2008.
“As a researcher on the HHR project, I have had the opportunity to meet many inspiring individuals who are dedicated to making a difference for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.”
~ MARISOL MASTRANGELO
Courtney J. Patterson is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Department of African American Studies at Northwestern University. A former high school teacher and staff member of Oberlin College, she holds a Bachelor's Degree and Teaching Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research interests include black women's histories and social realities, intersections of HIV/AIDS and body size, and black theater and drama.
“The HHR study has truly been one of the most cultivating research experiences that I have ever had. Not only do I get to work on a team of immensely talented people who help me develop as a scholar, but I also get to work with women living with HIV/AIDS who inspire, push, and reenergize me to be a better person.”
~ COURTNEY J. PATTERSON
Jasmyne McDonald is a senior communication studies major. Meshing her interests in youth, HIV, and media she hopes to learn more about the research process through her work on Health, Hardship & Renewal, eventually applying for an undergraduate research grant and performing a study combining these topics. After graduation, Jasmyne hopes to work in the non-profit and media sectors.
“I began college knowing I wanted to become involved in something HIV related. At 18, I wanted to understand why the virus was the leading cause of death for a demographic slightly older than me- Black women ages 25-34. During my three years as a research assistant I have come to better understand the important issues around the virus, services in Chicago, and explored HIV in South Africa. In the coming years I hope to look at ways to integrate HIV into public conversation through mainstream media and become a HIV counselor.”
~ JASMYNE McDONALD
Ivy Zhu is currently a senior pre-med student in Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. She is interested in studying the effects of inequality on society and looks forward to gaining more sociological research experience as a member of the Health, Hardship & Renewal team.
“I feel very fortunate being able to work in the HHR study. Getting to hear women from all walks of life tell their stories of adversity and strength has not only inspired me, but also allowed me to gain a better understanding of the intricacies and challenges in living with HIV/AIDS.”
~ IVY ZHU
Shaquita Webster is a junior psychology major at Spelman College. She has always had a strong interest in sexual health and reproductive rights of adolescents and thought that joining the Health, Hardship, and Renewal team would be a great way to broaden her knowledge base. She plans to pursue a doctorate in Psychology upon graduation from Spelman and hopes to one day create a nonprofit organization that focuses on the reproductive rights of youth.