April 4, 2022: This profile has been updated to more accurately describe the author’s family background.

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Chrishana is a senior research scientist at Child Trends, focusing on the study and implementation of interventions to support early childhood and human service professionals in environments such as home- and community-based child care settings and Head Start. We talked with her to learn about her research, both at Child Trends and earlier in her career, and to find out more about her life outside of work.

Can you tell us about your primary research interest?

My work focuses on the intersections between research, policy, and practice in education, human service, and community-based settings. I am particularly interested in applied and participatory research. This means that I make a concerted effort in my work to ensure that what is learned can be applied to “real world” contexts, and that I include the interests, priorities, and voices of those whom my research and policy might impact when research studies are conceptualized and implemented, as well as when solutions are developed and the findings are disseminated.

What sparked your interest in intersectional applied research?

Growing up, I spent lots of time traveling around different areas of the Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area: to spend time with or live with family, for social purposes, and for school. As a youngster, I recognized that there were stark differences in the living environments and educational opportunities afforded to people based on where they lived. I also noticed that these differences were closely linked to an individual or family’s color and economic status. In addition, many people (including me) were differentially treated because of these distinctions. Even at a young age I felt a sense of injustice around these issues—I always thought something was very wrong that one could have access (or lack access) to certain things based on the color of their skin or where they lived.

Do you have a favorite piece of content (book, article, podcast, etc.) that touches on your research area?

Oh boy, I can’t pick just one. I listen to podcasts when I run or walk, which are activities I do just about every day. Currently, my favorites are Code Switch, 1619, Nice White Parents, Ear Hustle, Criminal (in)Justice, and Chicano Squad. For books, I think The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee and The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein are pretty important reads.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of research?