KEY SKILLS

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• Proven track record in improving usability and information architecture for cloud-based platforms, including state and nationwide healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

• Expert in inclusive UX with a focus on enhancing user experiences for people with disabilities and underrepresented groups, ensuring accessibility and equity in design.

• Led end-to-end research on multiple projects, utilizing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies to drive data-informed decisions and optimize product effectiveness.

• Skilled in a wide range of research techniques including interviews, focus groups, card sorting, ethnographic studies, diary studies, click testing, surveys, and both moderated and unmoderated usability testing.

• Strong knowledge of WCAG 2.0 Level AA / Section 508 Compliance, ensuring accessible and inclusive digital experiences.

• Certified in Applied Data Science with expertise in Python, data analysis, data visualization, and machine learning for data-driven UX insights.

• Experienced in analyzing research with tools like empathy maps, personas, and affinity mapping to translate findings into actionable insights.

• Proficient with UX research tools including Mural, Miro, SPSS, NVivo, Optimal Workshop, Figma, UserZoom/UserTesting.com, Microsoft Teams, and SurveyMonkey.

• Collaborated with Microsoft to test and evaluate the efficiency of Microsoft Co-Pilot 360 for artificial intelligence (AI) applications in UX.

 

RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Sr. UX Researcher                                                                                                      12/2022-Present

Centene Healthcare                                                                                                                          

 

• Leading comprehensive end-to-end research across discovery, planning, recruitment, execution, analysis, and stakeholder reporting phases, delivering actionable insights to guide product strategy and improve user experience.

• Managing and prioritizing research initiatives using agile sprints, ensuring timely execution of research plans and alignment with critical project objectives.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with designers, accessibility experts, developers, and product owners to embed user-centered, accessible design principles throughout the research and product development lifecycle.

• Conduct diverse research methodologies including click testing, moderated and unmoderated usability testing, concept testing, card sorting, accessibility testing, interviews, benchmarking, focus groups, and surveys to provide comprehensive user insights.

• Address social and health equity through targeted research for state and government healthcare programs, ensuring that products meet the needs of underserved populations.

• Tested Microsoft Co-Pilot for AI efficiency, contributing to the development and evaluation of AI-driven features to enhance usability.

• Leading research to enhance the functionality of Centene’s web and cloud-based platforms, optimizing information architecture and user interaction.

• Implement accessibility improvements for internal design systems, ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards and promoting equitable access for all users.

 

Sr. UX Researcher                                                                                                      04/2022-12/2022

Daugherty Business Solutions                                                                                                                      

 

• Collaborated with major clients including Home Depot, Walgreens, Edward Jones, and Vanguard, guiding each organization in implementing robust UX research processes aligned with their unique business models.

• Restructured information architecture for client web platforms to improve system algorithms and enhance overall product usability, increasing user engagement and satisfaction.

• Executed a range of research methodologies—including heuristic evaluation, benchmarking, click testing, card sorting, usability testing, and user interviews—to inform design decisions and optimize user experience.

• Facilitated and conducted user interviews using MS Teams and UserZoom, capturing in-depth insights to identify user needs and pain points.

• Analyzed research findings through journey mapping, persona development, and affinity mapping with tools like UserTesting.com and Optimal Workshop, transforming insights into actionable recommendations for design improvements.

• Applied an agile framework to identify and resolve user pain points, ensuring transparency and alignment with stakeholder expectations throughout the research and development process.

• Partnered cross-functionally with UX designers, stakeholders, and business analysts to drive seamless product development and integration of user-centered enhancements.

• Prioritized and executed research plans using agile sprints, efficiently incorporating stakeholder feedback and maintaining alignment with project timelines and goals.

 

Sr. UX Researcher                                                                                                      05/2015-04/2022

GoldenWings Foundation                                                                                                                            

Founded and operated a non-profit organization focused on promoting accessibility and usability for people with disabilities and underrepresented populations, ensuring socio-economic factors are integrated into the UX design process.

• Invented, designed, and developed a mobile app that allowed students to report bullying anonymously, improving student well-being and fostering safer school environments.

• Led UX design planning to determine user needs and requirements for the mobile app, addressing the challenges of bullying and ensuring the app met the needs of both students and faculty.

• Launched a mobile app downloaded by over 8,000 students and school faculty, significantly impacting awareness and reducing bullying incidents across schools.

• Conducted in-depth user research utilizing personas, empathy maps, and affinity mapping to extract actionable insights and inform design decisions.

• Employed a wide range of research methods, including user interviews, unmoderated usability testing, ethnographic studies, card sorting, diary studies, and surveys, to gather qualitative and quantitative data.

• Collaborated cross-functionally with design teams, product management, and stakeholders to ensure the app met user needs and aligned with organizational goals.

• Led ethnographic research to explore how individuals relate to their communities and the reciprocal effects of social environments on individuals who have experienced generational trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

• Researched social, personal, and economic challenges in underprivileged communities, uncovering insights to develop potential solutions for social change and improve mental health access.

• Worked closely with local government officials, law enforcement officers, social service employees, neighborhood residents, and school officials to ensure community engagement and successful product impact.

• Provided UX perspectives on strategies to enhance mental health access, self-care, and inclusive product design that supports marginalized populations.

• Tested and validated hypotheses about user behavior through a blend of quantitative and qualitative research methods, optimizing app functionality and user experience.

 

 

 

EARLY CAREER SUMMARY

 

• Stonegate Mortgage | Private Wealth Underwriter | 2015 – 2018

• JP Morgan Chase Private Wealth | Draper & Kramer| Private Wealth Underwriter | 2014 – 2015

• Chase Home Mortgage | Senior VA Loan Processor | 2012 – 2013

• CVR Associates (Section 8 Housing Authority) | Program Compliance and Abatement Supervisor | 2008 – 2012

 

EDUCATION

 

Applied Data Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Certification)

 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Community Psychology with Qualitative Specialization

 

Walden University | Minneapolis, MN

 

 

Master of Arts in Psychology

 

Walden University | Minneapolis, MN

 

 

Bachelor of Arts in Science

 

DePaul University | Chicago, IL