Work with Laura
Write a Powerful Personal Statement
Starting at $1,068.755h+ of coaching
Save up to $90
Boost Your PhD Applications
Starting at $4502h+ of coaching
Save up to $27
Final Application Review
Starting at $654.753h+ of coaching
Save up to $56.25
About
I've built a career bridging the gap between academia and industry, and have a passion for mentoring others in their pursuits in each of these directions (or both!). My academic background includes my PhD in Social-Personality Psychology from University of California, Berkeley, an MA in Business Research (emphasis on Organizational Behavior) from Stanford University, Graduate School of Business, an MA in Psychology from the College of William and Mary, a BA from University of Rochester with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy, and a research assistance position at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government. Based on these experiences, I not only have a knack for cracking the barriers to admittance into top programs, but have a robust network of fellow alum and former mentors who are always eager to continue to "pay it forward" through people I support. Following my academic studies, I transitioned to industry in tech, focusing on user experience research. Within industry, I have experience in the fast-paced, highly competitive world of Silicon Valley social media tech (Facebook/Meta) and the east cost vibe of more traditional tech in finance at Fidelity. I provide a unique perspective of transitions between academic pursuits and industry success, and all the nuances involved. I look forward to supporting highly motivated, fellow intellectuals in their lofty pursuits!
Laura’s PhD Programs Qualifications
Coaches professionally
Welcome to my profile! With a PhD in Social/Personality Psychology from UC Berkeley and extensive experience as a UX Researcher at top companies like Meta and Fidelity Investments, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. I have served on the admissions committee for prospective PhD students and have mentored over 100 undergraduate students, providing me with a deep understanding of the academic journey. My expertise in advanced statistical methods and cross-cultural research equips me to guide you through the complexities of the PhD application process. Whether you need help with crafting a compelling personal statement or navigating the interview process, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's connect and make your PhD aspirations a reality!
Laura can help with:
Dissertation Proposal
Editing
Interviews
Letters of Recommendation
Research
Resume
School Selection
Why do I coach?
Throughout my career in both academia and industry, I have been extremely lucky to have fantastically supportive mentors, advisors, and managers. I've successfully coached students throughout the graduate school application process -- from deciding to start the journey, identifying personal strengths and areas for growth, and framing all of this for programs that are the best match, and find great joy in the process. I have felt first-hand the difference that this can make and truly enjoy playing this role for others!
Work Experience
User Experience Researcher
Independent Consultant
2023 - Present
• Data analyst and consultant for quantitative and qualitative research—including cross-cultural, single time-point, multi-level, and longitudinal data—employing multiple analytical and statistical techniques • Co-author of general-market book applying psychological theory and advertising research to branding strategy—presenting a framework for creating marketing campaigns and advertising experiences that evoke emotionally-driven physiological responses that directly influence consumer behavior • Research consultant and reviewer for multiple projects and publications, with specialization in user experience, quantitative and qualitative methods, social/personality psychology, emotion theory and application, individual differences, and cross-cultural comparisons Data Analysis, Consulting and +1 skill
UX Researcher
Meta (Facebook)
December 2021 - February 2023
• Examined end-to-end user experience of current features/flow and features in development • Worked with product team and recruitment vendors to define recruitment criteria and gather sample – including designing and programing screener surveys in Qualtrics, pulling qualified participants, collaborating with recruitment team to finalize sample • Created participant research artifacts (e.g., survey questionnaires, moderator guides, etc.) • Conducted 1:1 (remote) interviews with participants and analyzed quantitative and qualitative findings • Created and presented findings to product teams and upper management • Mentored less experienced researchers on methods, study design, effective presentation skills in order to provide efficiently impact product decisions and engage stakeholders Interpersonal Communication, Communication and +27 skills
UX Researcher
Fidelity Investments
November 2020 - September 2021
• Planned, moderated, and coordinated XFN involvement for remote UX studies (e.g., concept testing, usability) due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and social distancing requirements • Executed in-person UX studies in the U.S. and internationally that led to global product launch of new feature to increase users’ experience of algorithmic transparency • Targeted specific consumer segments (e.g., based on frequency of product use, demographic variables) through qualitative survey screening and queries using SQL and/or logged data • Implemented a multi-method approach—including usability studies, survey data, heuristic evaluation, journey mapping, and competitive analysis—and presented results to XFN • Worked closely to coordinate research agendas with XFN team of project managers, designers, content strategists, engineers, data scientists, and product marketing managers • Managed negotiations and day-to-day expectations with domestic and international vendors • Completed and presented multiple literature reviews for UXR and XFN team Interpersonal Communication, Communication and +26 skills
UX Researcher
Meta (Facebook)
July 2018 - August 2020
• Planned, moderated, and coordinated XFN involvement for remote UX studies (e.g., concept testing, usability) due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and social distancing requirements • Executed in-person UX studies in the U.S. and internationally that led to global product launch of new feature to increase users’ experience of algorithmic transparency • Targeted specific consumer segments (e.g., based on frequency of product use, demographic variables) through qualitative survey screening and queries using SQL and/or logged data • Implemented a multi-method approach—including usability studies, survey data, heuristic evaluation, journey mapping, and competitive analysis—and presented results to XFN • Worked closely to coordinate research agendas with XFN team of project managers, designers, content strategists, engineers, data scientists, and product marketing managers • Managed negotiations and day-to-day expectations with domestic and international vendors • Completed and presented multiple literature reviews for UXR and XFN team Interpersonal Communication, Communication and +35 skills
Graduate Student Researcher
University of California, Berkeley
2013 - 2019
• Designed research programs on creativity, inspiration, and universality of emotion expression • Led team on data collection in 26 countries, involving survey materials in 15 languages • Served as principal investigator for data collections in Kyoto and Barcelona • Analyzed datasets using advanced statistical methods (e.g., regression, factor analysis, cluster analysis, multi-level modeling, structural equation modeling) using R, SPSS, and Amos • Co-authored 9 research articles in top psychology journals and 3 book chapters • Trained and supervised 15+ research assistants in study design and implementation Interpersonal Communication, Statistical Data Analysis and +24 skills
Research Assistant
Harvard Kennedy School
October 2006 - July 2008
• Translated complex statistical findings into formats suitable for a general audience • Oversaw study design and co-authored two nationally representative leadership reports • Managed data collection, translation, and co-authored report on Israeli conflict • Served as editorial assistant to design team for 3 nationally representative reports
Laura was also given offers to work at
Apple
Google
Education
University of California, Berkeley
PhD, Psychology
2013 - 2019
• PhD in Social/Personality Psychology • Taught and mentored 100+ undergraduate students in Psychology • Application reviewer for prospective PhD Graduate students subdivisions (e.g., Social/Personality, Clinical, Developmental) • Designed research programs on creativity, inspiration, and universality of emotion expression • Led team on data collection in 26 countries, involving survey materials in 15 languages • Served as principal investigator for data collections in Kyoto and Barcelona • Analyzed datasets using advanced statistical methods (e.g., regression, factor analysis, cluster analysis, multi-level modeling, structural equation modeling) using R, SPSS, Amos, and Python • Co-authored 9 research articles in top psychology journals and 3 book chapters • Trained and supervised 15+ research assistants in study design and implementation
Stanford Graduate School of Business
MA, Organizational Behavior
2010 - 2013
Statistical Modeling, Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methodologies and +6 skills
College of William and Mary
MA, Psychology
2008 - 2010
University of Rochester
BA, Psychology, Philosophy
2002 - 2006