Across both works, Kempner traces how people in pain — often dismissed or disbelieved — create new forms of knowledge when institutions fail them. She writes and speaks across academic, clinical, and public audiences, collaborating with researchers and advocates to imagine more just, inclusive, and accountable systems of care.

Kempner’s research is published in a range of academic journals, including Science, PLoS Medicine, Social Science & Medicine, and Neurology, and is often featured in the media.