Resume
Hello,
​
My name is Kat. I am a research scientist located in Vancouver, Canada. Currently I work as a freelance UX Researcher working independently delivering user insights on established and in-development software products.
​
I’m a gaming enthusiast with a background in human robot interaction and cognitive systems. I’m experienced in conducting research on video games varying from prototype to live support games, within fast-paced development frameworks. My academic research focuses on capturing user insights to develop social robot interventions to improve mental health outcomes.
Skills and Expertise
Strong experimental design skills including within and between subject designs
Designing surveys. moderated and unmoderated usability studies, interviews, information architecture tests
Understanding of production timelines and design methods in the video game industry
Facilitating interviews, usabilities, playtests and focus groups
Proficient in using Excel, Miro, MAXQDA, nVivo
Descriptive and inferential statistics
Effective research communication via report writing, slide deck creation and presentations to varied stakeholders including research managers, product owners, producers, designers, community managers and studio leadership
Experience
2023 - Present
UX Researcher
Kabam
Vancouver, BC
-
Analyzed multiple quantitative data sets of 7000+ responses to extract actionable insights.
-
Created multiple surveys and interview facilitator guides.
-
Executed multiple research studies including moderated and unmoderated playtests, surveys, interviews and information architecture tests across games at different development stages.
-
Generated reports and presented research findings to relevant stakeholders including senior directors, UX designers, producers, studio leadership, product and community managers.
2018- 2023
Project Lead
Graduate Researcher
Neuroscience, Engagement and Smart Tech Lab
Vancouver, BC
-
Designed and led multiple qualitative research studies focusing on capturing user insights from social robot, mobile application and assistive technology users.
-
Collaborated with stakeholders from non-profit organizations, healthcare authorities and academia to capture insights from diverse participant groups.
-
Analyzed multiple large, qualitative data sets using thematic analysis and qualitative coding, MAXQDA, and nVivo software.
-
Mastered research communication with expert and non-expert audience including 3 international conference presentations, 7 peer-reviewed papers, infographics and blog posts.
Education
2019 - 2024
UNIVERISTY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
PhD
I have completed my PhD in Experimental Medicine Program with the focus on HCI.
I defended my dissertation in November 2024.
Vancouver, BC
2014 - 2018
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
BA
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Systems with the focus on the mind, brain and computation.
Vancouver, BC