The art of getting closer.

After more than 20 years in research, I've learned that some of the most revealing moments happen when you ask one more question. Or know when to stop asking and simply listen.

I love getting to know people. Understanding what matters to them, what shapes their choices, and the things they might not even realize they're telling us. There's an art to finding those moments and connecting them to the bigger picture.

It's what keeps me curious, and what makes this work so rewarding.

Every project is an honor.

There's something pretty extraordinary about sitting down with a complete stranger and, within minutes, being invited into their world. They share their stories, their experiences, and sometimes things they haven't shared with anyone else.

I'm continually humbled by the generosity of people who give me their time and trust me with their thoughts. What a privilege it is to listen, to connect, and to see the world through someone else's eyes.

Outside the world of research...

I moved from the Midwest to the PNW to open up a whole new world of adventure, and I fill as much of my free time as possible exploring it. Whether I'm camping on Orcas Island, hiking in the mountains, or fishing in the high desert with my partner, Paul, Rey is usually by our side. Rey, quite frankly, lives most people's best life.

I get out of the country every chance I get. After experiencing a lot of loss, I found myself thinking about what I'd regret most at the end of my life. The answer came pretty quickly: leaving this world without having seen enough of it. The landscapes may draw me in, but it's always the people who stay with me. Their stories, generosity, and kindness, often shared across language barriers, remind me just how much goodness there is in this world.

And for all my love of great food, I have a soft spot for cheap frozen pizza.

xoxo,