Social and Behavioral Research | Ethnography, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Research and Research Design | Insights, UX, & Usability | Medical Anthropology
As a professional researcher, anthropologist, and ethnographer across multiple industries and platforms, for over twelve years I have successfully designed, managed, and directed projects focused on defining and developing digital and physical products and services through usability and insight UX/CX research, corporate ethnography, and human-centered logistics, process, and cost-saving analyses. Being an ethical and trusted social scientist fully versed in qualitative and mixed-method research, I have had rich opportunities in the US, UK, and China to research and explore diverse social and policy-related issues, with a particular focus on medicine and health.
Additionally, I have supported businesses and institutions by researching, designing, and managing projects that provide unique and impactful insights into user motivations and experiences, further contributing to stakeholders’ niche market distinction. My distinguished work history and scholarly record are marked by reliability, thoroughness, and commitment with measurable and actionable results.
CURRENT ROLE
Amazon | Thornton, CO | October 2019- Present
Proxemics Manager/Researcher
As a Proxemics Manager, I am tasked with researching and analyzing proxemics, CDC guidelines/policy, and social distance and health-based performance initiatives. Developed projects focused on continual process improvement and corporate ethnographic projects concerning associate retention and Amazon’s culture of health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed Six Sigma and qualitative projects using metrics analyses, Gemba research, surveys and observations to produce actionable insights and performance improvements with pronounced cost savings.
Kohima Institute | Kohima, Nagaland (Remote) | June 2017- Present
Cultural Anthropologist and Ethnographic Research Fellow
Presently involved in developing an international interdisciplinary research effort to better understand how cultural and ethnic groups use social media and organization to respond to natural disasters, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, and how public health messaging and instruction is being received, understood, and implemented by diverse peoples and households whose issues are often under-represented in studies and projections.
Qualitative Researcher | CA, CO, PRC, UK | January 2008- Present
Anthropologist, Bevahioral Scientist, and Ethnographic Researcher
PRIOR EMPLOYMENT
Google/SMX | Boulder, CO | September 2017-March 2019
Google Express SOC II and Metrics Analyst
Was responsible for maintaining the daily business operations of Google Express sites and collected and analyzed metric data using excel and Google’s suite of online tools and proprietary interfaces. Used ethnographic interviews, surveys, and metrics to successfully contribute to the benchmarking of the Google shopping app. Increased performance and efficiency of site operations and processes through long and short cycle qual/quant data collection initiatives and analyses of site operators’ behaviors and experiences.
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, UK | September 2011-December 2015
PhD Research, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Was responsible for the close teaching of students, preparing class lectures, grading, and contributing to course development. Taught 3 classes over 6 semesters including theory, ethnography, and advanced subjects and I hold HEA accreditation. As a researcher, developed my own projects, methods, and performed my own analyses using multiple methodological tools and approaches, including archival and policy related research. My work has been presented at conferences, workshops, and as publications.
Teachers for a New Era, Chinese Educational Council | Northridge, CA/Wuhan Hubei PRC | February 2009- November 2010
Research Assistant and Visiting Scholar
As a Research Assistant, helped design the research project’s scope and methods, develop and administered surveys, and conducted ethnographic field interviews and observations. Analyzed collected data, reviewed state and institutional educational policies, prepared reports for the interdisciplinary research group, and contributed to the grant writing process for further funding from the Carnegie Mellon Foundation.
GOiMarketing | Westlake Village, CA | March 2007-January 2009
Project and Design Manager and Insight/UX/CX researcher
Worked on over 50 projects of varying sizes with clients in diverse industries with unique needs. Consistently collaborated with product developers inhouse and remotely to continually improve product designs, services, functionality, and accessibility. Collected metrics and provided actionable UX insight into customer and user needs during agile based product development cycles, which included: wireframing, benchmarking products and services, customer feedback (NPS) and surveys using Survey Monkey and Qualtrics, inferential statistical analyses, click mapping, deep ethnographic structured and semi-structured based interviews, and observations. Developed journey maps and card sorting exercises and conducted remote usability and A/B tests for web site-based products and mobile apps. Along with SEO engineers and designers, helped refine internal workflows involving an enterprise database system, Windows, and APIs. Maintained project budgets, communications, and reporting between management and clients and stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS PH.D Social Anthropology | 2016
University of Edinburgh
MA with distinction, Cultural Anthropology | 2010
California State University, Northridge
LANGUAGES Native English Speaker | French (Intermediate) | Mandarin (Basic)| Hmong (Basic)
AWARDS California Doctoral Incentive PhD Award, awarded, not taken up | China Educational Council Scholarship Award
INTERESTS Astronomy | Oceanography | Competitive Billiards | Running and Camping
REFERENCES Available upon request