Experience Designer

• May 2023 - Present

Design Researcher

• Sep 2022 - Apr 2023

• Conduct primary ethnographic research to better understand the student experience at U of T, and to support the Department of History in their review of academic programs, supports, and services • Lead qualitative data collection and analysis, including conducting empathy-based interviewing and feedback sessions, transcribing, de-identifying, and coding the data, and transforming findings into needs-based insights and recommendations • Conduct primary ethnographic research to better understand the student experience at U of T, and to support the Department of History in their review of academic programs, supports, and services • Lead qualitative data collection and analysis, including conducting empathy-based interviewing and feedback sessions, transcribing, de-identifying, and coding the data, and transforming findings into needs-based insights and recommendations

Associate

• Nov 2020 - Aug 2022

• Conducted social science research to understand the effectiveness of public programs by measuring their outcomes, assessing implementation processes, and identifying opportunities for improvement • Supported multiple research projects: Worked on an average of 5 multi-year research projects, and exceeded client expectations• Led client projects: Designed analysis plans, supervised data collection, conducted qualitative analyses, developed results reports, consulted clients, and communicated with stakeholders throughout the research cycle, ensuring alignment between client priorities and deliverables • Led development of research reports: Summarized research findings for a range of technical and non-technical audiences, and supported senior staff in finalizing reports, ensuring high-quality and timely deliverables in various formats • Supported capacity-building initiatives: Helped to design a qualitative research strategy for the organization, including leading a working group, designing materials to train the organization in adopting best practices for conducting interviews and focus groups, and advising staff members interested in building their qualitative research expertise Show less

Analyst

• Mar 2019 - Nov 2020

• Assisted in the design of evaluation frameworks and data collection strategies.• Assisted in the design of data collection instruments, protocols and consent processes that align with ethical standards, following TCPS 2 core principles. • Contributed to reports, briefs, memos, presentations, literature reviews, and technical assistance documents. • Developed detailed research operations plans to track progress and timelines of projects• Provided logistical support remotely and in-person for evaluation data collection activities• Compiled and tracked information in spreadsheets and databases and monitor data quality.• Prepared figures, charts and tables for project deliverables. • Supported project coordination tasks including organizing and managing project documents, scheduling meetings, and tracking project activities.• Supported qualitative data collection by conducting interviews and focus groups with research participants and relevant stakeholders. • Supported training and technical assistance for project partners.• Prepared ethics applications for review by research ethics boards.• Programed and tested online surveys in Qualtrics. Show less

Staff Writer

• Jan 2015 - Sep 2016

•Wrote weekly and monthly articles for the largest student-run paper at UBC, The Ubyssey •Conducted interviews, researched previous publications and established good communication networks with interviewees to gather more information for the stories. •Recorded and transcribed the interviews and creatively integrated quotes from the interviewees in the body of the article. •Consulted with the Ubyssey Culture, Science, News and Features Editors to improve the quality of the articles. •Topics covered range from the fundraising efforts of UBC and SFU students for non-profit organization Grace Rwanda and a review of the UBC-hosted conversation on climate change by Naomi Klein. •Articles are posted online at The Ubyssey Publications Society website http://ubyssey.ca, and shared in the Ubyssey Facebook and Twitter pages. •Two articles "Our Campus: Ann Makosinski invented a body-heat powered flashlight and a mug that charges your phone" and "SASC receives $26,000 grant from government for support groups" received over 200+ likes on Facebook. The Ubyssey Viewership: - 10,000 weekly print copy. - 150,000 approximately monthly views online. Show less

Learning Technology Intern

• Sep 2015 - Apr 2016

•Provided learning technology support to instructors and faculty members, including support for Connect, UBC Blogs and Camtasia by email, phone and in one-to-one consultations. •Provided administrative support for the Educational Technology Support office, including updating the ETS website, creating and managing workshop, event and project pages, managing office equipment and posting on the ETS Blog. •Referred UBC faculty and instructors to the appropriate services where necessary. •Posted and monitored the ETS Twitter account to promote office services and events online and analyse growth of the account. •Created video tutorials, screencasts and detailed guides for instructors using Camtasia, Snagit, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, with step-by-step instructions showing them how to navigate key tools in Connect. •Promoted and ran monthly ETS Technology in Transit showcases, where teacher candidates in the Faculty of Education have the opportunity to showcase an emerging technology or application and its potential for teaching and learning. •Provided IT support for video-conference sessions in BlueJeans and Collaborate for the Faculty of Education. •Participated in monthly workshops and orientations offered by ETS on various technologies available to faculty members in the Faculty of Education. •Led TED live streaming events within the Faculty of Education. •Collaborated with Learning Technology Rovers to create the "LTR Hub", an interactive website with resources for newly hired LTRs. Show less

Webmakers' Camp Mentor

• Jun 2015 - Jun 2015

•Participated in a camp at UBC for girls from the ages of 6-16. •Supported camp staff and instructors with camp organization, activity planning and field trips. •Guided one group of 4 girls closely for the experience, ensuring that they remained on track and creating caring and affectionate bonds with them. •Helped to cultivate a passion for technology in the girls, teaching them technical skills using software such as HTML, CSS, Ruby and team-working and critical thinking skills. •Challenged learners by encouraging them to take on more difficult tasks. Show less