I am an artist and scholar-activist who integrates cultural awareness and relational axiology in the research process. My research is, “oriented toward a deep reverence and curiosity for life,” as Karine Bell so beautifully states, and I am skillful in using data as a steppingstone for individual and collective healing. I was trained as a mixed-methods researcher to use a social justice lens and to think across micro, meso and macro data levels. As a descendant of the Western Band of Cherokee who deeply understand our interconnection to all beings, I see research as a vehicle for becoming better at relating with each other and our non-human relatives. My research framework is grounded in critical and constructivist theory, relational axiology and Indigenous-based methodology.I have practiced research and evaluation in social, educational and cultural settings since 2007, and I birthed RISE Research & Evaluation in 2019 after my mentor passed away. The business name represents both the intention we set for our clients and the intention I set for myself after losing someone very special to me. In my role as the Relationship Steward and Director of Inquiry at RISE Research & Evaluation, I design studies for clients and serve as a lead analyst, working in both quantitative and qualitative methods. Across 17 years’ experience in research and evaluation, I have been invited to present at national and international conferences and have authored eight peer-reviewed studies as well as several government reports. For more information on my firm and our past projects, please visit http://riseresearch.io, or listen to this podcast for more on me personally and professionally, https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JldAWolu7O8mTMm4oCbCL.