My skill set derives from my training in both cultural and evolutionary anthropology.  I conducted qualitative research on  women and leadership on the Navajo Nation, the practice of bilingual education at a migrant Head Start program, and I studied farming practices and daily life on an Old-Order Mennonite farm.  To collect these data, I used survey, interview, and participant observation.  I received training in these methods through Northwestern University's Four Corners Field School.

In my doctoral work, I developed a novel experimental protocol to address problems in the existing literature.  This research generated a great deal of quantitative data, which I analyzed using the statistical program SPSS.  I have experience in the analysis of large data sets and with the development of multivariate models.  

While completing my doctorate, I attained experience and training in mentoring undergraduates.  During my final year of graduate school, I was an Excellence in Mentoring Fellow.  In this program, I received formal training in best practices for mentoring, and I trained two undergraduates in basic data analysis and research design skills.  I also independently supervised two additional undergraduate students who assisted me with data collection for my dissertation work.