Research Interests
- Hygiene access
- Congregate shelter environments
- Chronic homelessness
- Limitations of homeless verification
- Comparative perspectives in homeless service systems
Prior to pursuing his PhD at University of Pennsylvania, Antonio Parisi studied urban planning and public policy at The New School. In December 2018, he graduated from the Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment with a Master of Science in Public and Urban Policy. As a graduate of The New School, Antonio pursued internships with homeless nonprofits that are diverse in size, resources, and client services.
In July 2021, Antonio shifted his focus to understand his hometown’s approach to homeless services in West Chester, PA. He worked in specialized case management programs that are targeted to respond to individuals burdened by severe mental illness and chronic homelessness. Antonio’s engagement in these programs provided a learned knowledge of direct service constraints facing sheltered and unsheltered homeless adults in a suburban context.
Through graduate coursework, internships, and case management experience, Antonio has worked with underrepresented populations; conducted evaluations of client services; and produced homeless-centered policy. Antonio hopes to continue interdisciplinary research into the strengths and limitations of homeless service systems in suburban, rural, and urban contexts.