Dr. Barrera-Vilert quoted in The Guardian

Dr. Maria Barrera-Vilert, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Justice, was recently quoted in a feature published by The Guardian discussing New Orleans’ new “Lights On” initiative—a $2.8 million citywide effort focused on repairing and improving street lighting in historically underserved neighborhoods, particularly in New Orleans East.

The article explores how public lighting intersects with public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and broader issues of structural inequality. Dr. Barrera-Vilert provided an important criminological perspective, emphasizing that lighting should not simply be viewed as a crime prevention tool, but as part of a larger strategy that strengthens community interaction, trust, and collective stewardship of shared spaces. Her quote powerfully reinforces the idea that improving safety requires strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods, not just increasing surveillance.

In addition to this recognition, Dr. Barrera-Vilert has cultivated a strong and impactful community partnership with the Mid-City Security District, where she is engaged in meaningful boots-on-the-ground applied work focused on advancing equitable public safety outcomes, strengthening community-based crime prevention strategies, and supporting data-driven interventions that enhance neighborhood wellbeing. Her work exemplifies the kind of engaged scholarship that bridges academic expertise with tangible community impact.