Research Team
Our research team brings together students, researchers, coordinators, and collaborators working across community-engaged practice, Knowledge-sharing, project support, and research communication. Each person contributes to the lab’s commitments in distinct ways while working within a shared ethic of respect, accountability, and care.
Working Together
Blue Sky Research Lab is sustained by the people who support research, relationship-building, event coordination, fieldwork, Knowledge-sharing, and public communication. Some team members are deeply embedded in long-term research processes, while others contribute through project-based roles, creative practice, community coordination, and administrative support.
The team is interdisciplinary and relational by design. Our work is strongest when it remains accountable to community, responsive to context, and collaborative across different ways of knowing and working.
Meet the Team
The team below is maintained directly through WordPress so headshots, roles, pronouns, and biographies can stay current as the lab grows.
Meet the Team
Hannah Louis
Tânsi, Hannah nitsihkâson! I’m Nêhiyaw from Montana First Nation in Maskwacîs AB. I’m a PhD student and I’m interested in climate change and oceanography research and Indigenous ways of knowing. I’m navigating the tensions between being a Western scientist and an Indigenous person and what it means to balance the two.
Drake Worth
My name is Drake Worth, a fourth-year Sociology student and father since 2020. Fatherhood inspired my commitment to creating a better world for future generations. Mentorship with Dr. Johnson began my relationship with Indigenous Knowledges, fueling my passion for research that advances equality, inclusion, and respect for diverse perspectives.
Senyuan Chen
Hi there! I’m Senyuan (pronounced “Sen-Yen”), one of Dr. Paulina Johnson’s master’s students. I’m interested in knowledge production and Indigenous ways of knowing. My role here revolves around literature reviews, podcast writing, and data analysis! I can’t wait for what the future holds and what truths will be uncovered.
Sam Dancey
I grew up along the border of Treaties 6 & 7, coming from Ukrainian and mixed European ancestry. As a settler, disabled person, and molecular biologist I am using my master’s research to understand what it means to uphold Treaty relations as a scientist and conduct research in a good way.
Marieliv Flores Villalobos
I’m proudly from Trujillo City, Peru. Since I moved to Edmonton, I’ve been questioning my role in the decolonial movement. I have a dog named Nala, who barks for social justice. I’m a Health Promotion and Socio-behavioural Sciences Ph.D. Candidate. My work engages with critical analysis of the relationship between biopower and intersectionality.
George Sartison
I’m George, and I am a settler master’s student of Dr. Paulina Johnson. I grew up splitting my time between Treaty 6 and 4 territory, where I learned and grew in the light of the relationships to my family and the land. My research interests include Indigenous Queer Ethics, combatting settler-imposed binaries, and much more!
Eva Thompson
I’m Eva, I come from Canoe Lake Cree First Nation in Treaty 10, but I was born and raised in Treaty 6 territory. I’m an undergraduate student taking a double major in Sociology and Psychology, with a minor in Indigenous Studies. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn more about Indigenous Knowledges.
Darian McCullough
I’m Darian and I was raised in the Klah’Ah Men Territory on the West Coast of BC. I am Red River Métis and am a recent graduate from the University of Alberta in in Sociology and Political Science with most of my studies focusing on Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Spatial Justice and Social Stratification.
Giovanni Ursella
Tânisi, môniyâw niya. It’s so nice to reflect on my journey here! I’m meandering through an Arts degree and came into the company of Dr. Johnson in Indigenous Feminisms class. As I was considering how ongoing, routine acts shape settlerhood, Dr. Johnson offered an ongoing opportunity to be part of The Auntie Is In-perfect! Thank you, Dr. Johnson!
Sharaya Hill
Taanishi Sharaya Hill dishinihkaashoon. Hello, my name is Sharaya Hill, and I’m Métis. I am working towards my MA in Sociology at the U of A. My research interests include Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Land-based Knowledge and Decolonization. I’m so grateful I get to learn, grow and contribute to something bigger than myself. Maarsii.
How the Team Supports the Lab
- Research assistance and project coordination
- Knowledge mobilization and communication
- Community-engaged event and relationship support
- Creative, administrative, and logistical contributions
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple areas of practice
Connected Pages
To learn more about the broader relationships surrounding this work, visit the About page, Community Collaborators, or the Knowledge Hub.