Dr. Melody Buyukozer Dawkins is a researcher, developmental psychologist, science communicator, and labor organizer. With over 14 years of expertise in designing, conducting, and overseeing research initiatives, Melody's research and evaluation philosophy is firmly rooted in a commitment to equity, prioritizing community-based participatory approaches and liberatory methodologies that aim to amplify the voices of those often left on the periphery, bringing their experiences to the forefront of social research.

Melody is a Senior Research and Evaluation Manager at Social Insights working with institutions, grassroots organizations, and movements to support transformation and further advancement. Melody’s work at Social Insights has included collaborations with PolicyLink, Omidyar Network, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Borealis Philanthropy, Giving Gap, and others. Prior to joining Social Insights, Melody worked in the cultural sector as a researcher and consultant, exploring how individuals connect to the arts, culture, museums, media, stories, ideas, creativity, and community and supporting arts and culture organizations in their journeys to becoming more equitable and community-oriented.