Kearra Brinson

Experienced researcher, project manager, and educator specializing in sociology, with expertise in research methods, qualitative research, and social psychology. Skilled in leading research initiatives from conception to completion, including study design, sampling/recruitment, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, coordinating project timelines, and ensuring the successful execution of research deliverables. Proven ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, mentor junior researchers, and translate complex findings into meaningful takeaways for diverse stakeholders.

"Planning Our Futures: A Study of Family Formation Goals among Black Sexual Minority Women"

• Developed a study examining how Black sexual minority women envision marriage and parenthood, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches within broader sociohistorical contexts.
• Independently conducted 54 in-depth interviews, created tailored interview protocols and surveys, obtained IRB approval, and employed diverse sampling methods (convenience, snowball, and range sampling) to recruit a varied participant pool, including hard-to-reach populations.
• Managed data using Microsoft Excel and STATA, conducted thematic analysis with NVivo, supervised undergraduate transcribers, ensured accuracy through a cross-verification system, and integrated reflexive thematic analysis to account for researcher positionality.
• Secured external grant funding for participant incentives, translated findings into measurable variables, and synthesized qualitative and quantitative insights into comprehensive narratives that highlight both individual experiences and broader patterns.