Community-grounded research, program evaluation, survey design, and data analytics that help individuals and organizations measure impact, secure funding, and make evidence-based decisions.
From designing a rigorous study to translating findings into action — we support every stage of the research and evaluation lifecycle.
Every strong study starts with a strong design. We build the methodological foundation your project needs — from concept to protocol.
Rigorous, practical evaluation services for nonprofits, government agencies, and grant-funded initiatives — designed to be useful, not just to collect dust in a report.
Good data is the foundation of good decisions. We design and manage data collection that is accurate, ethical, and timely, accurate, ethical, and appropriate for your needs.
We translate complex findings into clear, compelling reports, graphics, and dashboards that resonate with funders, stakeholders, and communities.
With over 40 years of combined experience, we know what makes proposals competitive. We work alongside your team as a collaborative partner.
We specialize in AI integration throughout the research process. Our goal is to help organizations navigate AI tools thoughtfully — understanding where they genuinely help, where they introduce risk, and how to use them responsibly.
From rural nonprofits to federal agencies, we bring the same rigor and care to every engagement.
Every project follows a structured path that we adapt to your context and anchor with methodological rigor.
We start by listening — learning your goals, your audience, your concerns, and what success looks like for you. Deep listening prevents costly misalignment.
We develop a research or evaluation plan tailored to your specific needs, timeline, and budget — selecting methods that fit the question, not the other way around.
We gather and analyze data using rigorous, appropriate methods — quantitative, qualitative, or mixed — with continuous quality checks throughout.
We deliver clear findings in formats your stakeholders can actually use — reports, dashboards, presentations, or briefs — not just data dumps.
Many of our clients work with us over time. We are available for ongoing consultation, capacity building, and follow-on projects as your needs evolve.
Appalachian Insights and Analytics, LLC was founded on a simple belief: rigorous research should be accessible to the individuals, communities, and organizations doing the most important work — not just those with the largest budgets.
Based in Northeast Tennessee, we bring deep expertise in applied social research, program evaluation, and data analytics to clients throughout the region and beyond.
We are intentionally small, expert, and fully committed to the quality of every project we take on.
Dr. Foster is a seasoned applied researcher and evaluator with 20+ years expertise in survey research methodology, sampling, program evaluation, and community-based research. She has always been interested in integration of new technologies in research spaces. Dr. Foster is active in both membership and leadership roles with professional organizations that serve the field of survey and public opinion research. She has served on executive council for the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), the Southern Association for Public Opinion Research (SAPORO), and the Association for Academic Survey Research Organizations (AASRO). She is committed to using her expertise and experience to help translate rigorous research into actionable insights for individuals, communities, and organizations across Appalachia and beyond.
Dr. Hall-Wurst is an applied researcher and evaluator. With over 15 years of expertise in program evaluation, mixed methods research, social network analysis, and data analytics, she brings both academic rigor and practical experience to every engagement. Her applied work includes multi-year federally funded program evaluations, community-based participatory research, grant writing support, and the integration of AI tools into research workflows. Dr. Hall-Wurst has published in peer-reviewed venues and worked with over 100 community partners to design or enact research aimed to improve local quality of life. She is committed to making rigorous, evidence-based research accessible and actionable for communities, organizations, and practitioners nationwide.
We would love to hear about your work. We typically respond within one business day.