How can I get involved with applying my expertise in a specific subject?
In academia, the best way is to attend research seminars in the fields that interest you and connect with people in there. If there are other universities/institutions in your area, you should start doing that. (Hopefully this will become possible in the Fall, but perhaps zoom options may provide even more opportunities?)
Another (much more expensive) way is to attend professional conferences. Most active researches to that, so you'd be able to make some connections.