Allison Payne
Scottsdale,AZ
Summary
Relationship-driven professional with a proven track record in managing fast-paced projects and coordinating stakeholders to deliver high-quality results. Expertise in client management, including recruiting and vetting industry experts, while overseeing projects from initiation to successful execution. Experience at NASA enhanced adaptability to new challenges and the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively. Committed to leveraging relationship-building skills and project management experience to foster strong partnerships and achieve successful outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Client Associate
VISASQ/ Coleman
Phoenix, Arizona
03.2026 - Current
- Leveraged knowledge of client strategies across various industry sectors to identify, vet, and present the qualified experts that align with client goals.
- Used networking skills to engage with top professionals across industries, applying critical research techniques to support informed decision making, and identified suitable experts for investment management client projects.
- Identified industry trends to recruit top talent, enhancing competitive advantage for clients.
- Screened experts and prepared them for client consultations, ensuring alignment with client needs.
- Managed timelines and deliverables across multiple projects while understanding client needs through tailored solutions.
Post-Baccalaureate Research Scientist
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Published a first author paper showcasing the results of my analysis and supporting larger efforts in the research community.
- Presented findings to technical and non-technical audiences at professional conferences, fostering understanding and facilitating potential collaborations.
- Analyzed large, multisource datasets to identify trends, produced visualizations, and delivered reports that supported project execution and met project deadlines.
- Built calibrated database that streamlined access for cross-functional teams and enhanced communication and process improvement.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Analyzed 500+ galaxies, identified key patterns, and presented insights through visualizations and summaries to enhance research understanding.
- Contributed to publication efforts and data documentation for research team, sharing actionable insights and strategies in weekly meetings.
- Mentored new team members on workflows and Python coding, fostering best practices to improve team capability.
Customer Service & Support Roles
Various Employers
Seattle, WA
10.2018 - 07.2022
- Managed high customer volume in fast-paced environments, enhancing communication and problem-solving skills.
- Balanced part-time work with full-time academic coursework, demonstrating effective time management skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physics, Astronomy, Earth & Space Sciences
University of Washington
Seattle, WA01-2023
Skills
- Expert recruitment and talent acquisition
- Expertise in client engagement
- Market analysis
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Research documentation and reporting
- Business strategy
- Problem-solving aptitude and critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Time management and prioritization
- Effective communication skills
- Proven experience managing multiple client projects simultaneously
Publications
Data-Driven Research: First-author publication discussing planetary atmospheres using Python for data analysis and creation of publication ready visuals showcasing the steps taken to reduce data (arXiv:2508.13368).
Timeline
Client Associate
VISASQ/ Coleman
03.2026 - Current
Post-Baccalaureate Research Scientist
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
08.2023 - 08.2025
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Washington
09.2021 - 08.2023
Customer Service & Support Roles
Various Employers
10.2018 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Physics, Astronomy, Earth & Space Sciences
University of Washington