Meet the team

Associate Research Director

As associate research director at Sweet Grass, I help carry forward our community-led research alongside Tribal Nations and community partners. My work is grounded in relational science — an approach that prioritizes reciprocal relationships and the co-creation of research. In practice, this means supporting the design, coordination, and storytelling of projects shaped by community priorities, from early conversations and relationship building to translating findings into tools that strengthen tribal sovereignty, well-being, and long-term resilience. I work to ensure our research remains relational, ethical, and grounded in the values our partners entrust to us.

Before joining Sweet Grass, I worked in Indigenous climate governance, participatory research, and environmental justice across tribal, academic, and federal partnerships. I previously served as a social scientist in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development. I collaborated with tribal partners across the country on climate adaptation, food systems, and community resilience. I hold a PhD in community sustainability from Michigan State University and an MA in applied cultural anthropology from Northern Arizona University. Throughout my career, I’ve centered Indigenous knowledge systems, community priorities, and collaborative approaches that build long-term relationships and support shared decision-making. 

When I’m off the clock, my daughter keeps my husband and me laughing, learning, and exploring. You can usually find us on local trails, visiting the Great Lakes, or spending time with family. I love reading, finding new places to explore with my daughter, and being near water whenever possible.

Pronouns: she/her

Email: marie@sweetgrassconsulting.net

Team: Research