Laura L. Lightfoot

Dissertation Title:

Understanding Overdose Risk and Response in Jail: Insights from Correctional Staff and Incarcerated Residents to Inform Harm Reduction Strategies

Laura L. Lightfoot is a doctoral student in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University and a JCOIN LEAP Scholar (Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network – Learning Experiences to Advance Practice). Her research explores drug policy, incarceration, reentry, and harm reduction, with a focus on addressing disparities in overdose outcomes. Laura specializes in translational criminology and uses infographics to make complex data more accessible and impactful for diverse audiences. She brings a unique combination of direct service and research experience, having worked in mental health and substance use treatment settings, and has led projects within large-scale initiatives such as Arizona’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS). Laura has contributed to overdose prevention at the federal and local levels through roles with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Orange County Drug-Free Office. She has conducted both quantitative and qualitative research through academic and contract-based positions and regularly presents her work at national conferences in criminology, public health, sociology, and psychology. Her current projects and dissertation examine disparities in overdose outcomes and aim to advance evidence-based reforms in public health and criminal justice. After graduation, she plans to pursue applied research and policy roles in government or industry to advance data-driven change.