Austin Conner

Austin Conner is a National Poverty Fellow for 2024–2026 in residence at the Office for the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE). Conner completed her PhD in Social Welfare with a Graduate Minor in Applied Statistics at the University of Mississippi in August 2024. She also holds a Master of Social Work degree with a clinical focus from the University of Mississippi. Her current research interests include social capital, civic participation, political participation, race, and policy. Broadly speaking, Conner is interested in how individuals cultivate and use social capital to enhance their overall well-being. Her research interests emanate from her engagement in community-participatory action research and advocacy work that empowered Mississippians to vote. Conner also applies her previous practice experience as a School Attendance Officer to her approaches to research. Conner is mentored by IRP Affiliate Amanda Geller and Kim Clum in the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation within the Administration of Children and Families in HHS.

Conner was a 2023–2024 IRP Professional Development Training Participant.