How do you describe your work to people who don’t work in your field?
I specialize in interdisciplinary research methodology, developing innovative adaptive research and evaluation designs using a complexity lens. By leveraging mixed methods and complexity science, I integrate qualitative and quantitative research to study dynamic phenomena in rapidly changing conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, an everyday classroom, or a clinical setting.
What’s one big problem you want to solve through your work?
I want to prepare researchers for their work solving the yet-to-be-known problems of the future.
My goal is to transform how we train researchers to approach the issues we study, the methods we use, and the ways we draw inferences — all through the lens of complexity theory.
My research reveals that while researchers increasingly acknowledge the complexity inherent in their work, many still struggle to navigate the multiple layers and sources of complexity in both the phenomena they study and the methods they employ. By intentionally incorporating complexity-informed thinking into the research design process, we can better equip researchers to respond appropriately.
What does the word “innovation” mean to you?
Innovation means introducing and applying new ideas, perspectives or practices that create meaningful societal impact. In my work, this often takes the form of pedagogical innovations that improve learning environments, or methodological innovations that enhance how we generate and apply evidence to solve real-world problems.
What has been your biggest a-ha moment — in life or work — so far?
During my two years travelling the world aboard a working barquentine (three-masted tallship) with the international educational program Class Afloat, I learned to embrace adaptability and the beauty of simplicity. Adaptability was essential — like the sea, life is unpredictable. Whether navigating long stretches at sea or sharing close quarters, I had to learn to manage discomfort and uncertainty.
Without many of life’s usual distractions, I discovered joy in simple pleasures — a sunrise and sunset, deep conversations with my crewmates (a community of 60 high school students, five other teachers and nine professional crew) and the stillness of a star-filled night sky. The experience taught me how little we truly need to be happy and how much control we have over our mindset. I try to keep this in mind as I navigate a busy life!
How do you or your team come up with your best ideas?
I see a blank piece of paper, smartboard, or whiteboard as a canvas for limitless creativity — where ideas take shape, possibilities unfold and innovation sparks. As a visual thinker, I frequently sketch with my team and learners — a process they know well. We've even made it a habit to capture our creations with a photo!
What’s your favourite thing about working at the U of A?
My favourite part of working at the U of A is seeing people bring their ideas to life — collaborating, experimenting and creating meaningful impact through research, teaching and innovation. It’s truly inspiring!
In Shape: The University Strategic Plan 2023-33, the University of Alberta commits to having a positive impact on our students and staff, our communities, and the communities we serve here in Alberta and around the world. How does the work you do create impact?
Supporting community organizations in achieving their own goals is a priority for me. I find great value in work-integrated experiences within my teaching and research. For example, in one of my classes, learners collaborate with community organizations to design a program evaluation. This experience is often transformative for everyone involved, as the depth of learning surpasses what any individual could achieve alone.
What’s next for you? Do you have any new projects on the horizon?
I am continuing to explore ways in which we can transform methodological training by bringing together learners and faculty from across campus to tackle complex problems — ones without solutions or established methods. Currently, I am writing a textbook that places integration at the centre of mixed methods research design.
