Mason Alexander-Hawk is a research assistant for the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center and a doctoral student in the Urban Regional Sciences program at Texas A&M University. She holds a Master in Public Service and Administration degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service (2020) and a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Texas A&M International (2015). Her area of interest is nonprofit management with a focus in urban development and sustainability, particularly how to build capacity within marginalized communities through equitable planning practices. Alexander-Hawk's current research focus is on how disaster recovery efforts are impacting affordable housing.