Hey there. I'm Laura.
I am a User Experience & Technology Communications Researcher who focuses on the psycho-social impacts of communication about age on technology adoption and usability.
Here's an idea of the why behind my research.
CHILD WELFARE CASE MANAGEMENT USABILITY
The social services world is facing tremendous frustration as workers are expected to adopt new case management systems without extended training or funding.
My Role
As the sole researcher, I designed the study & methodology, recruited users, led the product team through remote usability testing, and recommended best design changes from user feedback.
Main Goal
Streamline project development process and determine priority design changes for nonprofit team. My results were used by the nonprofit to apply for a tech grant, which will allow for further user & design
research.
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DATA VISUALIZATION
Impact data is a must to enhance and justify international development. For an agricultural NGO in Southern Africa, I sourced, cleaned, and structured data and developed a mapping visualization based on organizational impacts in Tanzania.
My Role
I advised organizational data management best practices, sourced and cleaned agricultural development data (general and organization-specific), and created interactive Tableau dashboards.
Main Goal
Overlay organization project data and high-level agricultural figures on a regional level to justify corporate investments in Tanzanian agricultural development.
CO-WORKER COMMUNICATION ABOUT TECHNOLOGY & AGE
Are workers prepared to use increasingly complex workplace technology? In this study, I interviewed co-workers about their relationships with technology (and each other!) and how competent they feel to meet their organizational standards for technology.
My Role
As Lead Researcher, I designed the qualitative study, conducted in-depth interviews, and translated feedback into a workplace tech strategic plan.
Main Goal
Find qualitative insights among co-workers to promote equitable tech use across the lifespan.
ANTI-SCIENCE CONSPIRACY THEORY RHETORIC
I contributed a new perspective to existing research on conspiracy theories: how do conspiracists justify their promotion of anti-science conspiracy theories?
My Role
I mined Reddit threads about chemtrails conspiracy theories and analyzed the rhetoric proponents use.
Main Goal
Explicate and understand the pseudo-technical and -scientific jargon used by conspiratorial thinkers.
Corporate Philanthropy Communications
The UPS Foundation Humanitarian Program 2018 Year in Review
As project manager of the Year in Review, I developed all content. Request a PDF copy of the report here.
The UPS Foundation 2018 Social Impact Report
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As project manager, I developed all report content. Take a look at The UPS Foundation 2018 Social Impact Report here.
Nice to meet you.
Thanks for checking out my work. I'm happy to share more or chat. Feel free to reach out by e-mail here.
