Experience

Senior Research Scientist

Rescue Agency, Washington, D.C.
March 2021 - present

Conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses to inform campaign strategy, development, and evaluation across a range of health topics including vaccine hesitancy, methamphetamine use, and teen cannabis use
Presented complex research approaches and findings to a range of academic, government, and lay audiences
Led departmental research dissemination including conference abstract and peer-reviewed publication submissions
Developed RFP responses to grow agency’s business

Key Projects:

Development of proprietary strategic approach to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories driving COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Expansion of Rescue’s evaluation efforts to include substance use campaigns
Application of newly validated segmentation survey to representative data collections in multiple states

Rescue Agency, Washington, D.C.
July 2018 - March 2021

Developed and implemented qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research projects to meet internal and client priorities across a range of health topics
Identified and pursued key areas of growth for Rescue’s proprietary theories and methods by integrating cutting-edge research techniques into existing processes
Led research dissemination efforts including managing department-wide conference abstract submission and presentation process, resulting in presentations at national public health conferences
Provided internal statistical and data management consultation across projects

Key Projects:

Creation and validation of a new teen segmentation survey tool to support campaign strategic development
Inclusion of proprietary research tools into representative survey efforts across 3 states
Exploratory research into impacts of nicotine reduction on adult smokers' behavior for federal client

Rescue Agency, Washington, D.C.
July 2015 - July 2018

Designed and managed formative research activities for national, state, and local health education campaigns
Developed survey instruments, moderator guides, and IRB and OMB protocols in adherence with federal research requirements
Managed data collection for over 60 teen focus groups and over 1,400 survey responses across 79 U.S. middle and high schools for federal clients
Moderated focus groups and individual interviews while also managing in-field surveying teams
Collaborated on peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations

Key Projects:

Formative, concept testing, and copy testing research in support of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “Fresh Empire” (teen) and “This Free Life” (LGBTQ+ young adult) tobacco education campaigns
Formative research for “Hustle & Strive” trauma-informed, skills-building online substance use prevention intervention

Rescue Agency, Washington, D.C.
November 2013 - July 2015

Assisted with designing, implementing, and analyzing formative research projects in support of national tobacco education campaigns
Conducted quantitative and qualitative research including leading in-person survey and focus group data collection in non-traditional settings
Analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to develop written reports and presentations informing campaign development and direction
Developed and managed submission of federal IRB and OMB packages
Collaborated with internal teams to develope science-based content for national, state, and local health education campaigns

Key Projects:

Formative, concept testing, and copy testing research in support of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “Fresh Empire” teen tobacco education campaign

Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
August - December 2013

Conducted systematic review of the literature on the use of web-based diaries to record sexual risk behavior
Reviewed more than 1,000 articles for inclusion, resulting in a highly-cited peer-reviewed publication

Truth Initiative (fomerly American Legacy Foundation), Washington, D.C.
January 2012 - June 2013

Designed the June 2013 wave of Truth Initiative’s longitudinal Media Tracking Survey to assess truth brand equity, and awareness and receptivity for the new Ugly Truth advertising campaign
Conducted exploratory factor analysis to better understand truth brand equity
Substantiated over 600 pages of documents to verify accuracy of publications and campaign materials
Assisted senior research staff in data collection, analysis, and publication