Resume

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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

NerdWallet, San Francisco, CA — UX Research Manager (2021-present), Lead UX Researcher (2017-2021)

• As manager: 
  • Lead team of researchers in scoping, prioritizing, executing, and socializing research efforts with direct impact on product development strategy and roadmaps
  • Coach and manage career development for direct reports; responsible for hiring and growing team 
• As researcher: 
  • Planned, executed, and socialized generative and evaluative qualitative studies in partnership with product teams, including 0-1 native app and web product experiences, journey mapping and persona development, and navigation research
  • Established first panel of members for recurring research; defined and executed beta tester programs 
  • Developed and deployed NerdXR training program for partners to learn tactical research techniques 

   Spright, San Francisco, CA — Editor (2015-2016)

• First non-technical hire on 0-1 product team focusing on support for new parents 
• Responsible for all consumer-facing and internal language for Spright app and website, including: web and app interface language, in-app communications, position papers, newsletters, and more
• Conducted in-person and remote user research on concept, branding, and usability of Spright app and website 

EchoUser, San Francisco, CA — Senior Experience Researcher (2011-2015)

• Planned, conducted, and delivered qualitative and quantitative research activities for consumer and enterprise clients, including: in-person and remote usability studies; interviews; field studies; contextual inquiries; surveys
• Collaborated with designers, engineers, and product managers to structure research design and analysis

POPSUGAR, San Francisco, CA — Founding Editor and Writer, BuzzSugar.com (2006-2009)

• Established tone, structure, and direction of online entertainment publication; wrote 8-12 daily posts
• Managed all television coverage; supervised contributors and edited content; created style guide

San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, CA — Reporter (2004-2006)

• Wrote hundreds of breaking news and feature articles for print and online publications

FREELANCE, CONTRACT, AND VOLUNTEER WORK

Hexagon Bay Area — Mentor (2020-present)

• Mentor early career UX professionals in career development and research skills

  Xerox PARC, Palo Alto, CA — Research Assistant (2011)

• Conducted in-depth interviews and shadowing sessions for study on young adults and technology

  Intel, Hillsboro, OR — Intern, Digital Home User Experience Group (2010)

• Designed and conducted research on new media storytelling, culminating in technology design ideas

EDUCATION

  University of California, Berkeley — School of Information 

• Master of Information Management and Systems (May 2011); Management of Technology certificate

  Northwestern University — Medill School of Journalism

• Bachelor of Science in Journalism (June 2004); second major in history and concentration in sociology