Samantha Rivera Joseph, PhD, MPH

Samantha Rivera Joseph, PhD, is a highly regarded community public health expert and mixed methods researcher with a deep focus on program implementation, evaluation, and urban health equity. Originally from New York City, Dr. Joseph earned her BA in Natural Science from Fordham University, where her interest in public health was first ignited. She went on to launch a grassroots organization in Brooklyn, NY, dedicated to promoting HIV testing and awareness. This pivotal work led her to pursue an MPH from Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health, where she refined her skills in health program evaluation and community engagement.

Dr. Joseph’s extensive experience in research and evaluation is evident in her leadership roles within the nonprofit sector, particularly in Philadelphia. Her ability to design and implement comprehensive evaluation frameworks has been instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of health interventions and driving strategic improvements. Dr. Joseph’s academic journey continued at Drexel, where she earned her doctorate in Community Health and Prevention, focusing her research on community-level trauma in urban communities of color that face significant structural disadvantages.

Currently, Dr. Joseph serves as a Director at Equal Measure, a racial equity evaluation firm, where she applies her extensive research and evaluation expertise to advance racial and health equity initiatives. In addition to their technical expertise, Dr. Joseph is known for her collaborative approach to research. She works closely with stakeholders to ensure that evaluation methods are aligned with the goals of the project, and that findings are communicated clearly and effectively. This dedication to clarity and collaboration ensures that her research not only meets academic standards but also has practical implications that drive equity.