Zara Porter is a research assistant in the Health Policy Center at the Urban Institute, where she conducts qualitative research and analyses focused on maternal and child health, reproductive health, and equitable access to health care. She has been involved in qualitative data collection and analyses for several projects, including Building and Supporting a Black Midwifery Workforce in Oklahoma and the Maternal Opioid Misuse model. She is also a core member of the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Learning Community group learning manager team.Her qualitative data collection experience includes conducting literature reviews, tailoring interview protocols, and participating in key informant interviews and focus groups with a range of participants.

Porter holds a BA in public policy with a minor in global health and a certificate in human rights from Duke University. She previously interned for the Children’s Defense Fund and Population Connection.