To answer your question, in a simpler manner:
Yes, IF it is mutually accepted, no one including the WS, can or will have any objections at all. Although they may object to her marrying you, a not witness ? but again can?t really do anything about it.
All, the so called research stuff, is purely academic in real life (and in accordance with the bible) is shouldn?t present any problem.
Regards from overseas