Along with extensive experience as a writer and editor in the academic, non-profit, and private sectors, Annah is also a scholar of social space and the built environment. With a PhD in American Studies, specializing in 20th century U.S. Cultural History, her work focuses on the many ways people have created, defined, or been denied access to a "sense of place" at key historical moments. Combining this research background with practical work on the intersections between public heath and urban planning, for example, in 2016 Annah was a lead writer and researcher for PPS's report, "The Case for Healthy Places: Improving Health Outcomes through Placemaking," a compilation of peer-reviewed research that provides evidence-based guidance, recommendations, and case studies for health institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders looking to support healthy placemaking initiatives.

Before joining Project for Public Spaces as Vice President, she taught undergraduate courses at the University of Michigan while also working as editor for academic and research clients, philanthropic organizations, NGOs, non-profits, and public agencies including the United Nations. In 2012, she was selected as the Cynthia B. Field Fellow at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., where she worked closely with the Exhibitions Department and produced original research surrounding their long-term exhibition, House & Home. 

Education 

PhD American Culture, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 

M.A. Liberal Studies, The New School for Social Research, New York, NY 

B.A. Cultural Anthropology and French, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY