Ashley Kraus
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Innovative researcher adept at developing probing questions, designing surveys and delivering meaningful insights. Experienced at identifying and using new technologies and resources. Works effectively and collaboratively with teams and individuals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Consultant
Qualtrics
10.2021 - Current
- Play a pivotal role in a high-impact team that consistently contributes to generating over $1 million in revenue per quarter
- Orchestrate collaborative efforts within a cross-functional team to design and execute survey research for a diverse portfolio of prominent Fortune 500 clients across industries such as Technology, Media, Financial Services, Retail, eCommerce, Healthcare, and Consumer Goods
- Creatively execute various study designs (e.g., concept testing, brand health, segmentation, pricing research) to deliver bespoke surveys tailored to address each client’s unique research questions and business needs
- Spearhead the entire research lifecycle, demonstrating leadership from ideation through survey design, Qualtrics platform programming, meticulous analysis, and comprehensive report dissemination
- Effectively manage a portfolio of 5-8 projects at various stages of the lifecycle
- Demonstrate versatility in survey design by seamlessly tailoring surveys to meet the needs of B2B samples, general population samples, and client list-sends, both domestically and globally
- Deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations to clients and stakeholders, providing consultancy on pivotal business decisions, from enhancing brand recognition to driving purchase intent, and expanding knowledge of consumer attitudes and product/service usage
- Employ advanced proficiency in Google and Microsoft Productivity Suites, DisplayR, SPSS, and the Qualtrics platform to streamline projects at every level of the research lifecycle
- Enhance transparency for collaborative decision-making, both internally and externally with clients
- Cultivate impactful partnerships with mid to senior-level clients and stakeholders, fostering collaboration on all facets of research, including survey design, timing, and reporting
- Champion DEI initiatives as Global Communications Chair for MosaiQ (ERG for BIPOC employees and allies)
- Leverage community insights to drive impactful strategies, leading an executive board in organizing events and volunteer opportunities for employees company-wide
- Design quarterly surveys to optimize MosaiQ's community impact.
- Streamlined data collection processes for improved efficiency and accuracy in research projects.
- Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous data analysis techniques and innovative methodologies.
- Increased client satisfaction by delivering comprehensive reports with actionable insights.
- Optimized resource allocation by strategically prioritizing tasks according to project timelines and client expectations.
Behavioral Science Researcher
Northwestern University, Feinberg School Of Medicine
10.2017 - 10.2021
- Collaborated with a cross functional team of behavioral scientists, public health advocates, and community organizers to design and implement an evidence-based social media health campaign targeting LGBTQ youth in Chicago
- Led qualitative and quantitative data analysis (using SPSS and Dedoose) to inform a public health campaign implemented via social media
- Designed studies to understand how individuals use digital media and technology in their everyday lives as it relates to various health outcomes
- Managed the day-to-day operations of internet-based mixed-method survey studies including: IRB approval, participant recruitment, and participant payment
- Authored and co-authoring six peer-reviewed journal articles, contributing to seven conference presentations, and writing distilled research summaries for the general public and policymakers
- Mentored four research assistants and graduate students in research methods
- Awarded competitive NIH-funded fellowship amounting in $150K in funds from the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS) in order to pursue independent research projects.
- Enhanced research quality by implementing advanced data analysis techniques and tools.
- Streamlined data collection processes for increased efficiency and accuracy in research findings.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive studies and generate valuable insights.
- Secured funding for critical research projects through persuasive grant writing.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, raising the profile of the institution.
- Mentored junior researchers, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting professional development.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
- Published high-impact articles in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing the reputation of the organization.
- Utilized cutting-edge technology and software to analyze complex datasets for meaningful interpretation of results.
- Maintained detailed records of research procedures, observations, and results for accurate reporting and replication purposes.
- Applied ethical considerations throughout all stages of the research process, safeguarding participant welfare and data integrity.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts for study participants by creating targeted marketing materials that increased enrollment rates significantly.
- Evaluated emerging technologies in the field to optimize current methodologies while staying ahead of industry advancements.
Research Assistant
Indiana University, Bloomington
08.2011 - 08.2017
- Conducted studies across various quantitative methodologies (e.g., content analysis, survey, meta-analysis, and experiment) and topics involving the effect of digital media and technology on fashion, culture and individual behavior change (e.g., body image, disordered eating, and health)
- Published peer-reviewed articles in top communications journals such as The Journal of Communication and Human Communication Research
- Awarded Top Student Paper and Top Paper awards at National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Meeting 2015 & 2016
- Instructor
- Independently designed the syllabus, assignments, lecture material, and exams for a course titled Social Scientific Perspectives of Gender and Media
- Sharpened verbal communication skills lecturing to a class of 50+ undergraduate students twice a week including preparing creative PowerPoint slides in order to teach complicated research methods and theories in a way that was accessible and interesting to students
- Consistently received overwhelmingly positive reviews in student evaluations – 95% of students said they would recommend the class to someone they knew.
- Enhanced research quality by meticulously collecting and analyzing data from various sources.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Presented research findings at conferences, contributing to the advancement of the field.
- Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
- Designed survey instruments tailored to specific research objectives for precise feedback gathering.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Maintained up-to-date records of research activities and results for future reference.
- Reviewed documents and data to identify trends and patterns.
- Gathered, arranged, and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
- Collected research data through experimentation, surveys and leading focus groups.
- Created surveys and questionnaires to collect data for research projects.
- Utilized advanced analytical software to analyze data sets.
Education
Ph.D. - Mass Communications
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN03.2018
Master of Arts, Telecommunications -
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN05.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN05.2011
Skills
- Client Relations
- Data/Statistical Analysis
- Literature Reviews
- Interviewing Techniques
- MS Office & Google Workspace
- Qualitative Research
- Critical Thinking
- Quantitative Research
- Report Writing
- Survey Design & Programming
- Market Research
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Digital Research Tools (Qualtrics, DisplayR, SPSS, Dedoose, Excel)
Timeline
Research Consultant
Qualtrics
10.2021 - Current
Behavioral Science Researcher
Northwestern University, Feinberg School Of Medicine
10.2017 - 10.2021
Research Assistant
Indiana University, Bloomington
08.2011 - 08.2017
Ph.D. - Mass Communications
Indiana University Bloomington
Master of Arts, Telecommunications -
Indiana University Bloomington
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Indiana University Bloomington
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Indiana University Bloomington