currently seeking new opportunities in research, insights & strategy.

I am a proven truth-finder, strategist, and storyteller with 15+ years of experience helping leading world-class brands make meaningful connections with their users.

WORK HISTORY

Research Director (contract) | Huge Design SF, CA | November 2024 - Present

  • Currently working with Huge Design on product design and development programs

  • Leading user research and insights to inform design directions and creative concept development for leading fitness equipment brand

Research & User Exp. Strategy Consultant, Casden Consulting, SF CA | Oct 2023 – current

  • Since the fall of 2023 I have advised several startup clients on best practices for implementing and executing user research into their design and product teams

Research & Strategy Director | Astro Studios | PA Consulting, SF, CA | Jan 2017 to July 2023

  • Implemented and cultivated a new design research & strategy discipline to a creative studio that had previously never had one before

  • Created and enhanced studio expertise in key areas of qualitative & quantitative research methods; AI for research, project management, synthesis, analysis, storytelling and strategy

  • Developed and codified a scalable insights & strategy offering through various research workstreams and increased department revenue YoY for 3 consecutive years

  • Integrated insights practice with cross-functional design teams to ensure consistency of strategy and vision through entire design program

  • Hired, developed, and managed research associates in the US and UK

  • Cultivated network of outside partners and vendors in global markets for managing global research projects across EU, LatAm, East Asia

  • Led or partnered on numerous new business pitches, proposals and initiatives

  • Enhanced presentation and pitch assets to be clear and concise and improved public speaking habits

  • Elevated studio’s video storytelling resources and capabilities

Associate Research Director | Bassett & Partners, SF CA | June 2011 - December 2016

  • Designed, led, and executed complex global research programs for Fortune 100 clients such as Nike, Microsoft, & J&J

  • Transformed rich user insights into inspirational and actionable creative briefs and deliverables

  • Managed a diverse team of internal research, project management, and production staff, hiring and mentoring junior ethnographers & strategists

  • Generated new business leads and cultivated relationships into valuable partnerships

  • Presented at various design industry conferences, universities, and private companies

Ethnographer / Research Lead | Bassett & Partners, SF CA | Jan 2007 - June 2011

  • Led research design and moderation for in-field & online qualitative studies

  • Managed foreign-language research programs in US, EU, & emerging markets

  • Evaluated and developed new qualitative research methods to uncover unique insights

  • Led cross-discipline client workshops aimed at socializing research process

 

 

EDUCATION

Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT | Fall 1999-2003
Bachelor of Arts Degree; GPA: 3.38/4.0
Graduated with honors in Film Studies and Sociology

Academy of Art College, San Francisco, CA | Summer 2003

University of Melbourne, Australia | Fall 2001

skills & qualifications

(custom gallery)

  • Partner-level communication skills

  • Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and approaches

  • Global & emerging markets research experience

  • AI market research tools and methodology integration

  • Strong writing & editorial abilities, creative brief development

  • Strong storytelling abilities, particularly with documentary video

  • Strong leadership abilities and experience

  • Moderating and engaging cross-discipline teams

  • Brand frameworks, architecture & archetypes

  • Market segmentation, design personas

  • Creative research methodologies

  • Workshop moderating & facilitation

  • Business development strategy & support

  • Excellent presentation and orator skills

  • Visually dynamic and engaging Keynote and Powerpoint presentations

Media Skills

  • Excellent presentation and orator skills 

  • Visually dynamic and engaging Keynote and Powerpoint presentations

  • Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, media compression and delivery systems

relevant interests

  • International Travel: Canada, Mexico, Europe, UK, Ecuador, Australia, Fiji, Caribbean, West Indies, Jamaica, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, China, India, Brazil, Japan

  • Media-maker: Freelance photographer and videographer, have produced and directed several music videos for local artists and record labels

  • Charities & Volunteering: SF AIDS Foundation, Larking Street Youth Center, Happy Hearts Fund, Clean Water Action, Greenpeace

  • Sports: San Francisco half-marathon, snowboarding, tennis

  • Burning Man: Attendee since 2010, camp & community organizer