JESSICA D. THOMPSON
Lakewood,CO
Summary
Results-driven Data Scientist with 8 years of experience in quantitative research and advanced analytics. Established a data science team and developed innovative analytical methods that transformed underutilized data into actionable insights. Strong foundation in research design and statistical analysis, with expertise in navigating ambiguity and effectively communicating complex findings to diverse stakeholders.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Data Scientist II
Brooks Running
04.2022 - 11.2023
- Co-founded Brooks Running's first dedicated data science team after successfully advocating for expanded analytical capabilities; led and mentored two researchers.
- Developed natural language processing (NLP) workflows to analyze approximately 4 million words of unstructured consumer survey responses, identifying patterns in product perceptions and enabling reuse of the analytical tools across research projects.
- Led exploratory runner segmentation research integrating GPS-derived behavioral data, consumer survey responses, and laboratory biomechanics measurements to investigate relationships between real-world running behavior and physical performance.
- Developed analytical workflows in Snowflake and collaborated with technical partners to make complex research datasets more accessible and useful for ongoing analysis.
- Translated analytical findings into actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams, linking technical research with business and product development decisions.
Research Scientist II
Brooks Running
02.2019 - 04.2022
- Awarded the 2019 Brooks Trailblazer Award for introducing innovative data processing, analysis, and visualization methods that expanded the organization's research capabilities.
- Developed and refined quantitative research methods to investigate athlete biomechanics and footwear performance, informing product design and development.
- Created novel, memorable ways to bring data to life for non-technical audiences — inventing storytelling devices and formats that made complex biomechanics findings intuitive and actionable for leadership
- Partnered with Design, Development, and Product Line Management; proactively teaching product teams and shaping recommendations before designs were finalized
Research Scientist I
Brooks Running
12.2017 - 02.2019
- Developed and automated MATLAB data processing and analysis workflows, reducing research testing timelines by approximately 30%.
- Designed and conducted laboratory studies using 3D motion capture, high-speed video, plantar pressure measurement, and electromyography (EMG) to evaluate running biomechanics and footwear performance.
- Analyzed multidimensional biomechanical datasets and communicated research findings through quarterly presentations to audiences of 75+ employees.
- Enhanced research data organization and infrastructure, improving analysis efficiency and enabling reuse of historical data.
Graduate Research Assistant
UNC Chapel Hill
08.2015 - 07.2017
- Investigated human movement, neuromuscular function, and biomechanical factors related to balance and fall risk through quantitative research.
- Analyzed experimental data using MATLAB and statistical methods, including factorial and repeated-measures analyses of variance, to derive meaningful insights.
- Assisted in experimental design, hypothesis testing, and result interpretation, contributing to the preparation of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Education
Master of Science - Biomedical Engineering
University of North Carolina / NC State University
Chapel Hill, NCB.S. - Psychology, B.A. Exercise and Sport Science
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Certificate - Data Science
University of Washington
SeattleSkills
- Statistical Analysis & Modeling
- Experimental Design & Hypothesis Testing
- Natural Language Processing
- Unsupervised Learning & Clustering
- Exploratory Data Analysis
- Python, Matlab & SQL Programming
- Snowflake
- Tableau
Timeline
Data Scientist II
Brooks Running
04.2022 - 11.2023
Research Scientist II
Brooks Running
02.2019 - 04.2022
Research Scientist I
Brooks Running
12.2017 - 02.2019
Graduate Research Assistant
UNC Chapel Hill
08.2015 - 07.2017
Certificate - Data Science
University of Washington
B.S. - Psychology, B.A. Exercise and Sport Science
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master of Science - Biomedical Engineering
University of North Carolina / NC State University
Research and Publications
Co-author of 9 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including 2 first-author papers, spanning biomechanics, modeling techniques, human performance, and related research