We help nonprofits achieve sustainable growth and high-impact results.
When you choose to work with Bison Research & Development, you gain access to a team of highly-qualified experts with advanced training and skills across a variety of fields.
With expertise in health, social services, economics, education, fundraising and organizational development, our team specializes in transforming complex challenges into clear strategies that build resilience and long-term impact.
We partner collaboratively with clients to effect positive change at the community and society levels. Our work is guided by core values that root our mission in broader, social change. Specifically, we value:
Equity
We believe that true progress depends on collective strength, respect, and justice. We actively work to amplify underrepresented voices, challenge systemic barriers, and ensure that every project reflects the diversity and richness of the communities it serves.
Integrity
Our strength lies in doing what is right, always. We ground our work in honesty, transparency, and accountability—and we rely on data and evidence to guide every decision. This commitment builds trust with our clients and ensures our recommendations are not just principled, but proven.
Impact
We bring a commitment to creating change that lasts. We design strategies that generate ripple effects—strengthening organizations, communities, and systems—so that the benefits of our work extend well beyond a single project and endure far into the future.
Our Founder
Bison Research and Development was founded by Jared Star, a health and social science researcher and nonprofit consultant with two decades of experience working within and alongside health, social services, and education-focused organizations to achieve meaningful change. Jared brings PhD-level expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research, combined with extensive training and consulting experience in governance, strategic planning, program evaluation, and fund development. His work has supported organizations across Canada and within the United States to build capacity, secure funding, and increase their cultural and social impact.
Jared is recognized for his ability to bridge rigorous research with practical, actionable solutions. Whether developing a capital campaign plan, leading a complex policy review, or facilitating community-based research with diverse stakeholder groups, his approach is relational, collaborative, and deeply committed to ensuring nonprofit organizations thrive.
OUR TEAM
Our team of professionals believe complex challenges can become clear strategies.
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Research Analyst
Fransise (Fran) is a Research Analyst and a Bachelor of Science student with a minor in Psychology. With a growing background in research and analysis, she is focused on translating data into insights that can guide understanding and decision-making. Looking ahead, Fran hopes to continue developing a career in research and expand her expertise through meaningful work.
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Senior Research Analyst
Morgan grew up in northern Manitoba and is a queer, non-binary parent committed to advancing equity in health research. Their work focuses on the intersections of queer and trans health and cancer care, building on a master’s project on safe housing for older LGBT adults and contributions to Cancer’s Margins, a national study of queer and trans people’s experiences with breast and gene cancers. Morgan’s PhD research examines how trans and gender diverse people are represented in cancer health services research.
Alongside their doctoral studies, Morgan serves as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Fellow at Health Data Research Network and as a Graduate Research Assistant on Canadian Cancer Society–funded studies (MEGAN-CANand REACHE). Their expertise lies in qualitative and mixed-methods research, with publications spanning cancer care inequities, data equity, and the experiences of young adults with cancer.
Morgan also brings strong community leadership, serving as Vice Chair of a community health centre board and as trainee lead for the CIHR Sex and Gender Trainee Network. Outside of research, they enjoy woodworking and time with their child and dog.
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Communications and Knowledge Translation/Mobilization Specialist
Grace Holwell (she/they) is a strategic communications and knowledge mobilization specialist with advanced training in Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) and a strong background in social work. With several years of experience supporting non-profits and research organizations, Grace excels at transforming complex research into clear, actionable insights that drive community impact.
Currently completing a Master of Social Work at the University of Manitoba, Grace’s academic and professional focus includes HIV/STBBI, harm reduction, gender-based violence, Indigenous health, and 2SLGBTQIA+ health. Their combined expertise in communications and social work provides a unique perspective that balances evidence-based strategy with a deep understanding of people, systems, and relationships. At Bison Research & Development, Grace leads communications initiatives that amplify organizational voices, enhance stakeholder engagement, and ensure messaging is inclusive, impactful, and grounded in social justice.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys testing new baking recipes, spending time with loved ones, and sharing the couch with their black cat, Dodger.
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Senior Policy and Research Lead
Chris Campbell (he/him) is a seasoned researcher and policy specialist with over a decade of experience advancing equity-focused education and policy initiatives. He is a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and a recipient of the prestigious SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship. His work bridges scholarship and practice, with a research focus on policy-based education reform and its impacts on 2SLGBTQ+ students, educators, and curriculum content.
Chris has led and contributed to a wide range of projects addressing systemic barriers in education, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, and equity-driven policy analysis. At Bison Research & Development, he serves as Senior Policy and Research Lead, bringing deep expertise in research methodologies, equity analysis, and values-based approaches to policy development and evaluation. He is also an experienced educator, teaching at the University of Manitoba, where he supports the next generation of scholars and practitioners.
Outside of work, Chris is a voracious reader and enjoys showing up for community events, including rallies and fundraisers for the 2STLGBQ+ community.
WHO WE WORK WITH