SAVIR Member Spotlight: April M. Zeoli, PhD, MPH

April M. Zeoli, PhD, MPH, Professor, Health Management & Policy, School of Public Health and the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan

Tell us about your areas of interest within injury and violence prevention. Why did you decide to pursue a career in this field?

I’m a firearm policy analyst who focuses on statutes that restrict access to firearms for individuals the courts consider dangerous. Mainly, I focus on extreme risk protection orders and intimate partner violence-related firearm restriction statutes and their implementation. I decided to embark on this work when I was an undergrad due to the abuse and sexual assault that my friends and other women I knew experienced, mainly perpetrated by their boyfriends. I knew that something must be done to prevent violence and terror. I was raised that if you see a problem that needs to be addressed, you work to address it. So, I began my journey in violence prevention. As I debated what field I might be the most useful in, I found that the public health approach resonated the most with me and, within that, I realized that I love policy analysis. I believe that my work on firearm restriction policies can be used to improve and save lives.

How long have you been a member of SAVIR? What has been your favorite part about being involved with SAVIR?

I’ve actually only been a member for two years. I was a lurker before that due to the number of familial birthdays that occur in April, when the conference is held. However, I’ve come to see the great benefits of being a member and attending the conference. I enjoy the intellectual stimulation I get from the conference, in particular, and the feeling of being part of a group of people who share the same mission.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?

I find my career incredibly rewarding on many levels, but probably the aspect I find most rewarding is when I learn of people using my research to make change. Whether it’s politicians reaching out to me for input on a bill, a request for me to testify at a bill hearing, or a domestic violence coalition or service organization telling me that they’ve used my research when educating people on intimate partner firearm violence and its prevention, I am so happy that my research can be useful to others outside of academia. It’s the best feeling.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I watch a lot of tennis. While I watch, I usually crochet. Right now, I’m enjoying crocheting decorative pillows. Otherwise, I really enjoy exercising, mostly lifting but I also run, and in the summer, I do a lot of paddleboarding.