Alison's Resume
HCI/ UX researcher with extensive experience in user research, human-centered design, and mixed-methods analysis.
Proven track record of leading virtual reality & telepresence projects, conducting qualitative and quantitative studies, and delivering actionable insights to drive innovation in technology and design.
SKILLS
User Research, Usability Testing, Prototyping, Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis, Surveys & Interviews, Qualtrics, Dovetail, R, Unity VR, Python, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Stakeholder Communications
EXPERIENCE
Sept. 2020 - Present
Graduate Student Researcher
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Social crowd navigation: led by researchers at Honda Research Institute (HRI). Data collection and study design for training a robot to navigate through a crowd.
Ocean Vision AI: led by a diverse team of marine scientists. Investigating the current constraints and issues with deep-sea imaging processes.
Research Vessel Telepresence: a collaborative project with Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute on telework at sea. Understanding the effects and use-cases of telework.
Fire Evacuation Virtual Reality: cross-university project. Designing a VR simulation to prepare users for a wildfire evacuation.
May 2019 - Sept. 2020
ARVR Team Lead
Search Quality Analyst
Lodestone
Menlo Park, CA
As a Team Lead, I managed a growing team of research assistants and analysts. Provided end-to-end support for data collection and annotation of AR/VR tech. Communicated daily with both clients and other vendor annotation teams.
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As a Search Quality Analyst, I worked closely with our client to create guidelines and training materials for vendor annotation teams, analyzed the annotation team's results, provided weekly feedback, created examples of high-quality annotations, and addressed any concerns/ difficult to annotate material.
Oct. 2017 - May 2019
Research Assistant
EvoLab Lab Manager
University of California, Merced
Merced, CA
I worked as a Research Assistant (RA) in two labs during my time at UC Merced.
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The first was the Sensorimotor Neuroscience lab led by Dr Ramesh Balasubramanian working under then PhD student, Alex Pabst. I assisted in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) studies, organized a study calendar and screened participants for TMS use, and independently ran participants in a Motion Capture room.
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In the second lab, EvoLab led by Dr Colin Holbrook, I assisted as an RA in Eye Tracker studies to collect data in light/ dark settings. I created and conducted an experiment on Navigational Trust with a roboThespian. As Lab Manager, I organized study schedules, managed the RAs, handled issues with equipment, and assisted in lab meetings.
Aug. 2018 - May 2019
Student Ambassador
University of California, Merced
Merced, CA
As a student ambassador, I specialized in working with transfer students interested in applying to UC campuses.
I tabled and presented at local schools and colleges across the California Central Valley region.
EDUCATION
2020 - Present
University of California, Santa Cruz
Computational Media, PhD
Santa Cruz, CA
Worked as a researcher in Dr. Leila Takayama's HRI Lab. Completed all introductory Computational Media coursework. Passed the First Year Exam.
Transitioned to Dr. Sri Kurniawan's ASSIST Lab where I currently work as a researcher. Completed all required courses and the Comprehensive Exam.
2017 - 2019
University of California, Merced
Cognitive Science, BA
Merced, CA
Research Assistant in two Cognitive Science labs: the Sensorimotor Neuroscience lab and EvoLab.
Secretary -- Cognitive Science Student Association.​
Dean's & Chancellor's Honors List.
Graduated with Honors.
Received the Outstanding Graduating Student Award for the Cognitive Science department.
AWARDS & CERTIFICATES
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Professional Communication Certificate Program @ UC Santa Cruz (Dec 2024)
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Best Paper Award at Virtual Reality Software and Technology '21 Conference
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Cognitive Science's Outstanding Graduating Student Award @ UC Merced (May 2019)