His research focuses on understanding the key elements of resilient communities. He has examined resiliency from transportation, urban planning, and hazard mitigation perspectives through positions as the Director of Research at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Washington, DC and most recently as the Director of the Center of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of New Orleans. Recent publications from Dr. Fields have appeared in the Journal of Public Health Policy, the Journal of Urban Design, and Cityscape. Dr. Fields holds a B.A. from Trinity University and MPA and PhD from the University of New Orleans.