Independent Research
Research & Citizen Science
Chalice operates an active independent research program led by Crystal Bulluck and supported by a dedicated group of research volunteers. Our studies sit at the intersection of plant medicine, environmental science, indigenous knowledge systems, and community health — producing accessible, community-centered findings.
Current Research Focus Areas
Plant Medicine Decriminalization
Examining legislative trends, policy frameworks, and community impacts surrounding the decriminalization of plant medicines across U.S. jurisdictions and internationally.
Medical Benefits of Plant Medicines
Reviewing emerging clinical and ethnobotanical literature on the therapeutic applications of plant medicines, with a focus on mental health, chronic illness, and holistic wellness.
Indigenous Use & Traditional Knowledge
Documenting the historical and contemporary use of plant medicines in indigenous communities worldwide, honoring traditional knowledge systems and their contributions to modern wellness.
Urban Environmental Health
Investigating the relationship between green infrastructure, stormwater management, and community health outcomes in urban environments, with a focus on Washington, D.C.
Ethnobotany & Community Wellness
Exploring the cultural, spiritual, and medicinal roles of plants across diverse communities — bridging ancestral botanical traditions with contemporary wellness practices.
Spiritual & Energy Healing Practices
Investigating the efficacy, cultural context, and community applications of energy healing modalities — including crystal healing, Reiki, chakra balancing, aura work, vibrational frequency techniques, ancestral spiritual traditions, and meditation. Research examines both the experiential evidence base and the indigenous and lineage-based knowledge systems from which these practices originate, with the goal of producing accessible, community-centered findings that honor their roots.
Our Research Approach
Chalice's research is community-centered, volunteer-driven, and committed to accessibility. We synthesize peer-reviewed literature, indigenous oral histories, field observations, and community testimony to produce findings that are rigorous, culturally respectful, and actionable. All research is conducted with an emphasis on equity, transparency, and the elevation of historically marginalized knowledge systems.
Research Principles
Community-Centered
Every study begins and ends with the communities most affected. We prioritize lived experience alongside academic literature.
Culturally Respectful
Indigenous and ancestral knowledge systems are treated as authoritative sources, not supplementary footnotes.
Accessible & Transparent
Findings are written for broad audiences and shared openly. We believe research should serve people, not gatekeepers.
Equity-Driven
We actively center historically marginalized voices and examine how policy and practice affect communities unequally.
Join the Research Team
Chalice welcomes research volunteers with backgrounds in environmental science, public health, botany, anthropology, legal research, data analysis, spiritual studies, energy healing, indigenous knowledge systems, and related fields. Volunteers contribute remotely on a flexible schedule and gain hands-on experience in independent, community-centered research methodology. Those with lived experience in spiritual or energy healing practices are especially encouraged to contribute to our Spiritual & Energy Healing Practices research track.
Get InvolvedCollaborate With Us
Interested in partnering on a study, contributing expertise, or supporting our research mission?
Chalice's research is independent and informational in nature. Findings are not peer-reviewed medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for licensed medical, legal, or professional guidance. Chalice is a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Crystal Bulluck.