Max Van Oostenburg

Associate Research Director

As part of the research team at Sweet Grass, I conduct client- and community-driven research to advance social and economic well-being in culturally appropriate ways. Whether it be focused on housing, enterprise, financial services, or otherwise, my focus is on making sure our clients receive actionable insights grounded in the realities they navigate as they do their important work.

Prior to joining Sweet Grass, I pursued academic research on the relationship between culture and cognition, culminating in a PhD in cultural anthropology in 2023. Through deep involvement in a wide array of academic and policy-focused research, I gained experience and expertise in designing and managing projects to ensure rigorous, targeted, and practically oriented outcomes. I leverage this expertise in my role at Sweet Grass to help organizations and communities address the questions they seek to answer.

When I’m off the clock I can usually be found on, in, or near a body of water, hanging out with family, or watching sports.

Pronouns: he/him

Email: max@sweetgrassconsulting.net

Team: Research