Julie Ford
Ph.D.(c), M.Arch., NCARB, NCIDQ
I am a doctoral candidate at Tulane University with an anticipated graduation date of May 2026.
I research violence prevention and response as well as criminal legal reform, with a focus on trauma experienced by survivors of violence resulting from system interactions. As a survivor of violence myself, I am particularly interested in non-traditional means of addressing trauma after violent crime, including survivor-led advocacy efforts and community engaged wrap-around models for trauma recovery.
I was recognized as a 2025 Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR) Champion of Change for my research uncovering the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD)'s under-reporting of rape cases to the FBI.
I also volunteer with a local organization Crime Survivors NOLA which connects survivors with resources, regularly incorporating my graphic design and project management skills gained as an architect and interior designer into both my academic and community work.
I am trained and licensed as an architect and interior designer (in Louisiana) and practiced for 15 years before attending graduate school.
The Narrative Politics of Violence: Understanding the Experiences and Needs of Victim- Survivors of Violent Crime in Greater New Orleans
Dissertation (expected defense Spring 2026)
My dissertation project is a qualitative narrative study of the experiences of survivors of violence in the Greater New Orleans area, across types of violence, in collaboration with a community partner.
Tulane VPI Gun Violence Problem Analysis
Tulane Violence Prevention Institute, Research Assistant, PI: Dr. Julia Fleckman
As a Research Assistant, I am part of a collaborative effort to compile a more accurate and complete database of gun violence victimizations across Greater New Orleans from 2019-2024, which is part of a larger NIJ funded study. The data will be used for a public facing website in collaboration with Vera Institute of Justice.
Crime Survivors NOLA
Volunteer/Organizer, Web Design and Social Media, Book Layout
Founded by Rose Preston, Crime Survivors NOLA provides a book and web-based and resource guide for survivors of violence in the Greater New Orleans area, including searchable resources, support group listings, and a detailed criminal legal system overview. The project is run by survivors, for survivors.
Gender Based Violence & Policing
Independent Research/Advocacy Work
Over the past few years, I have been independently researching the New Orleans Police Department's handling of sexual assault cases and submitting my research to the Federal Monitors and Court. I also uncovered a data error for the years 2021-22 in which NOPD neglected to report approximately 400 rapes to the FBI, leading to a public correction and policy change.
Design Projects
Architecture & Interior Design Work 2005-2020
I worked in architecture and interior design from 2005-2020. As an Intern Architect, I worked on large-scale performing arts projects throughout the country. Later, I specialized in hospitality and high-end residential design as a Project Architect, and most recently, I was a Partner in a local New Orleans architecture firm Suite 222 Architecture, LLC.
