Erika Braun

About Erika Braun

I\'m passionate about using applied social and geographic data science to support equity-informed approaches to complex social issues. With a background in applied social-health psychology, mental health advocacy, and public policy, I explore how sociocultural and spatial contexts shape opportunity, well-being, and identity. My research interests center on making data more accessible, visual, and ethically grounded, with a growing focus on GIS, data storytelling, and intersectional analysis. I’m especially interested in developing culturally responsive, equity-driven research that can inform both community action and real-world decision-making across sectors. I\'ve worked with the Japanese American Citizens League and OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates on public policy and bilingual health initiatives, including supporting the AANHPI education curriculum bill in Maryland. I also have experience in English–Japanese translation for community health surveys and outreach. Currently studying abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo, I’m deepening my understanding of how transnational and local sociological issues intersect with data, community needs, and systems of governance—building an interdisciplinary, globally-informed perspective I hope to bring into future roles.

Experience

1. Bolder Futures Social Impact Fellow

   Aapi Data

   Aug 2025 — Present · Berkeley, CA, US

Education

• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

  Master of Science (MSc), Geographic Data Science

  2026

• Waseda University

  School of International Liberal Studies

• EVIT - Desert Vista High School

  High School Diploma

• The George Washington University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Sociology