Approach to Research

I approach research with a curious mind and beginner’s eye. Each research project is driven by questions that are grounded by existing empirical and theoretical literature relevant to the topic. I consider paradigmatic fit and theoretical bases in my process of selecting appropriate methodologies and methods to answer research questions. I am a constructivist thinker and collaborator. I regularly utilize critical qualitative methodologies to understand individuals’ lived experiences of inequity, needs for wellness, and rights to thrive. I am particularly well versed in phenomenology, narrative inquiry, and grounded theory methodologies. I also engage community-based and engaged methods to amplify participant voice, as well as increase accessibility of research to communities outside of the academy. I attend closely to intersections of identities and seek diverse participant groups to effectively contextualize findings. Throughout investigations, my own positionality is paramount to make known as I seek to understand human experiences. My salient identities as a White, queer, rural Appalachian, able-bodied, financially-stable, educated, cisgender woman influence my analytic lens. Thus, I utilize many reflexive methods (e.g., diverse collaborators, debriefing, journaling, memoing, participant feedback) throughout my research process to promote trustworthiness and rigor.