Public health and epidemiology are constantly changing, albeit slowly. One thing that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later is the importance of research, the need to reexamine what it is, and how we approach it in this modern world. Today, we are joined by Mary Carney, a consultant specializing in research, data analysis, and communications services to help non-profits achieve their goals. We begin with how Dr. Joyee and Mary met as members of WE Public Health, a women’s leadership platform that partners with people and organizations who are unflinching in their commitment to equity and ready to take courageous action, with a little help. We go on to explore the power of collaboration, the need to redefine what research means to us, the importance of relationship-building, and how to find order in the chaotic mess that is research. To end, we highlight the strengths of consultants and their willingness to think deeper and complete tedious tasks that others would rather avoid, and Mary explains why people are at the center of her joy in the workplace.   Key Points From This Episode: How Dr. Joyee met today’s guest through WE Public Health. [01:17] Mary’s professional journey and how it led her to WE Public Health. [02:32] The power of collaboration and working together toward a single goal. [04:02] Rethinking research and why we need to start with the very definition of “research.”  [06:59] How Mary's different approach to research manifests in her work. [08:08] Redefining the goals of research and academic research in particular. [10:13] Why relationship-building is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of research. [13:03] Reasons that research is inherently chaotic and how to find order in the mess. [15:05] The value of a repetitive process of slowing down to reassess the best route forward. [19:30] Logical thinking, deep research, and navigating complex issues and tedious tasks. [23:28] How organizing and translating data into actionable steps is a learnable skill. [28:11] All the things that bring Mary joy in her work! [32:06] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/