I’m not a regular researcher; I’m a cool researcher.

Stilettos, shorts, sweet jackets, large dog in tow, frequent references to Taylor Swift lyrics. Forget everything you think you know about researchers.

Hi. I’m Kirsten (k uh r - s t ih n) or Dr. Hill if you prefer.

I have a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and I’ve worked on everything from randomized control trials to designing alternative teacher education programs to leading the development of Philadelphia’s citywide surveys to measure alternative indicators of success in schools.

Traditional research expertise is a tool; leveraging it creatively, for good, is my superpower.

I make research simple + I make it work for you.

I’m not a big consulting firm, and I like that. I wear hoodies to meetings. I use TikTok to makeover surveys I come across “in the wild” and call out viral misinformation. I have two tattoos. And, I’d love to know all about your birth chart (I’m a Sagittarius, Leo Moon, Aquarius rising).

To me — research is personal and collaborative. It’s a conversation. It’s a relationship. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing that I just pull off the shelf and hand you. You, your goals, and your values matter to me and they’ll shape our work together.

I thrive on simplicity and value being the most approachable and realistic research partner you’ll ever meet. I believe research can be a tool for good in the world. Research should be easy to understand, transparent, and readily available to everyone.

Maybe you want to know if people like working with you. Perhaps you want to do an evaluation to learn if you are achieving your goals. Or, it could be that you need stats and stories for marketing or to report to funders. With research, we can do it all.

Millions of dollars raised through grants for research and innovative ideas

〰️

Thousands of survey items launched around the country

〰️

150+ innovative organizations and entrepreneurs supported with measurement and evaluation

〰️

Millions of dollars raised through grants for research and innovative ideas 〰️ Thousands of survey items launched around the country 〰️ 150+ innovative organizations and entrepreneurs supported with measurement and evaluation 〰️

Remember when a mixtape was the best way to get to know someone?

I think it still is! Music is a window into the soul, right? In another life, with a different set of talents… I would’ve loved to be a Rock/Pop Star. I am obsessed with music and can be found shamelessly bopping around town to these songs:

  • Top billing because I swear this is Calix’s favorite song, and he's my favorite being on the planet. Calix is my lil’ — well, 80 lbs isn’t so little — rescue pup who I fell in love with via an Instagram post of him in a bow tie. Calix means “very handsome” in Greek (according to a baby name book) and I think it’s very fitting.

  • Fast, thorough, and sharp as a tack? Um, hi! Does anyone listen to this song and not pretend it’s about them?

  • ⁠⁠⁠I have one teeny-tiny tattoo on my right forearm as an act of rebellion against a "good girl" label. Okay, now I have 2… and one isn’t so tiny.

  • In high school, I was pretty sure my dream date would pick me up playing this song. Maybe he still will.

  • Chicago gal cannot not have Frank Sinatra.

  • Once I grew out of Raffi (who didn’t love “Baby Beluga:?!), so, like age 5/6, Sublime was one of my favorites. I’m sure that was uncomfortable for my teachers.

  • The unofficial hype song I wrote my dissertation to on repeat. Before I publish ANY writing (1 paragraph or 200 pages 👀), I read the entire piece aloud to make sure it hits right. ⁠

  • One of my all time favorite songs to play while walking by the lake. It just feels so “vacation vibes” and I need those in my life.

  • I’m obsessed with moon phases and crystals (you should see my apartment). I know when Mercury’s in retrograde, and manifestations and positive affirmations are also in my daily vocabulary. At my first JJ concert, I’m pretty sure I manifested him starting with my favorite song, “Taylor” :)

  • Oh yes, punk rock princess over here. I was super late to the Something Corporate party, but I haven’t left.

  • Everything by Taylor Swift. Talk about a girl crush. Currently learning to play guitar on a “Baby Taylor” guitar because that’s what she started with.

  • Another song that brings me back to childhood. You know the part where he sings really fast? My siblings and I would practice it all the time.

  • In high school, I spent time volunteering outside Nashville and caught the country bug.