Julie Ford
Ph.D., M.Arch., NCARB, NCIDQ
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.
The Narrative Politics of Violence: Understanding the Experiences and Needs of Victim- Survivors of Violent Crime in Greater New Orleans
Dissertation (May 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.
New Orleans Firearm Violence Dashboard
Tulane Violence Prevention Institute, Research Assistant, PI: Dr. Julia Fleckman, collaboration with Vera and WashU
As a Research Assistant, I was part of a collaborative effort between Tulane's Violence Prevention Institute, Vera Institute of Justice, and WashU, to compile a more accurate and complete database of firearm violence victimizations across Greater New Orleans from 2019-2024 as part of a larger NIJ funded study. The data was used to create the New Orleans Firearm Violence Dashboard.
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.
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.
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.
