CATASHA DAVIS
Washington, DC,USA
Summary
Seasoned Research Director with over 10 years of robust experience in overseeing complex research projects and leading high-performance teams. Strengths lie in strategic planning, data analysis, project management, and cultivating collaborative environments to optimize team productivity. Previous work demonstrates a significant impact by streamlining processes, driving innovation, and influencing industry trends through comprehensive research.
Technically proficient in research tools, including NVivo, MaxQDA, SPSS, R, and Brandwatch. Advanced in survey design and analysis using Qualtrics. Expert in AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Otter, and Canva. Highly skilled in developing compelling presentations using PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Research Director & Strategist
Self-Employed
Washington, USA
06.2019 - Current
- Led qualitative and quantitative data collection for studies involving over 100 participants, yielding actionable insights.
- Designed customized, theory-driven research frameworks for mission-driven organizations and federal clients to guide insight generation and strategic decision-making.
- Authored training guides to enhance the skills of junior analysts in research design and communication strategy.
- Produced comprehensive insight reports translating complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
- Collaborated with data science teams to refine large language model prompts, cutting insight generation time by 50%.
Social and Behavioral Science Administrator
National Institute on Aging
Washington, USA
07.2023 - 05.2025
- Co-led working group that develop and implement new corrective action policy for NIA clinical trials of impacting over 100 clinical trials.
- Delivered expert recruitment strategy consulting to NIA-funded researchers, enabling them to meet enrollment targets in under two months.
- Directed the collection, analysis, and reporting of recruitment corrective action plans across 3 NIA divisions over 5 reporting periods and more than 50 clinical trials.
- Organized and led inter-institutional efforts that influence research practices and inform national policy development.
- Led a qualitative research strategy and implementation for colleagues across the Clinical Operations and Support Branch, strengthening methodological rigor and alignment with project goals.
Communications Specialist
Parenthetic, LLC
Alexandria, USA
10.2020 - 07.2023
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams to create analytical and technology solutions for government and private sector clients including customizable dashboards and analytic software tools.
- Managed client-facing elements of 5+ programs, including stakeholder engagement, reporting, and business development planning totaling more than $3 million.
- Spearheaded the design and execution of qualitative research for 3+ federal agencies, integrating behavioral science into communication strategy.
- Standardized research onboarding by developing templates and training materials to reduce project startup time by 50%.
Senior Researcher
FrameWorks Institute
Washington, USA
10.2017 - 10.2020
- Directed 5+ research projects of 2-4 team members delivering high-impact qualitative and quantitative data analysis to shape social issue messaging strategies for at 3+ national organizations.
- Led research to inform participant recruitment and engagement strategies for Alzheimer's studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Managed high-value projects including an $800K initiative with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/Leading for Kids, a $250K CDC tobacco control campaign, and a ~$500k health foundation on gun violence prevention.
- Produced research deliverables-webinars, reports, convenings-that communicated findings to diverse audiences.
- Trained 2-3 junior researchers on advanced methods and project execution.
- Pioneered the 'lived experience' focus group method, now an institutional best practice.
Cancer Research Training Award Fellow
National Cancer Institute
Rockville, USA
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Designed and implemented a social marketing campaign in 6 months to raise awareness of multiple myeloma among African American communities, enhancing clinical trial outreach.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluation to identify key messaging gaps and inform culturally responsive outreach strategies.
Assistant Qualitative Researcher
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, USA
08.2012 - 12.2016
- Led focus groups and survey analysis for a multi-year initiative to reduce local health disparities; co-authored peer-reviewed publication in the American Journal of Public Health.
- Delivered a comprehensive 40-page impact report evaluating campaign effectiveness based on survey data from 1,500 participants.
Project Manager
Diverse & Resilient, Inc.
Milwaukee, USA
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Recruited 60-70 participants through churches and schools to assess public response to HIV awareness campaign messaging.
- Facilitated and analyzed 8 focus groups exploring perceptions of gay men, using thematic analysis to inform campaign adjustments.
Research Coordinator
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, USA
05.2012 - 12.2012
- Developed study protocols, managed recruitment systems, coordinated communication, and trained 4 research assistants for a public health study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Mass Communication
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WIMaster of Arts (M.A.) - Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WIMaster of Arts (M.A.) - African American Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WIBachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Dual Major in African American Studies and International Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WISkills
- Qualitative research design and analysis
- Quantitative research design, analysis, and SPSS
- Strategic communication and engagement
- Project leadership and collaboration
- Data synthesis and insights generation
- Stakeholder facilitation and engagement
- Training and capacity building
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Social and Behavioral Science Administrator
National Institute on Aging
07.2023 - 05.2025
Communications Specialist
Parenthetic, LLC
10.2020 - 07.2023
Independent Research Director & Strategist
Self-Employed
06.2019 - Current
Senior Researcher
FrameWorks Institute
10.2017 - 10.2020
Cancer Research Training Award Fellow
National Cancer Institute
08.2016 - 08.2017
Project Manager
Diverse & Resilient, Inc.
06.2013 - 08.2013
Assistant Qualitative Researcher
University of Wisconsin-Madison
08.2012 - 12.2016
Research Coordinator
University of Wisconsin-Madison
05.2012 - 12.2012
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Mass Communication
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Arts (M.A.) - African American Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Dual Major in African American Studies and International Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
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