Martha D. Kovac
Highland Park
Summary
Professional survey researcher with strong background in survey design, data collection and analysis. Known for effective team collaboration and delivering reliable results under changing conditions. Skilled in communication, active listening, and attention to detail. Dependable and adaptable. Seeking position where I can bring my expert skills in survey design, data collection, qualitative interviewing and focus group moderation to collaborate and contribute to research that improves public health and well-being.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Survey Researcher
Mathematica
01.2021 - 04.2025
- Developed customized questionnaires tailored to specific project needs, increasing response quality and relevance.
- Addressed potential biases in surveys by implementing rigorous sampling methods and adjusting weighting procedures accordingly.
- Streamlined the data collection process for better results through the utilization of advanced statistical software.
- Ensured timely completion of research projects by efficiently managing resources, schedules, and budgets.
- Contributed to grant applications for funding opportunities, securing financial resources necessary for successful project execution.
- Enhanced client satisfaction levels by delivering actionable insights derived from accurate data interpretation and analysis.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive research projects, achieving insightful conclusions.
- Increased respondent participation rates with targeted communication strategies and compelling survey designs.
- Assisted in training new team members on survey research techniques and best practices, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Maximized data validity by conducting pretesting of questionnaires and refining questions as needed based on feedback received.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of various data collection methods in achieving project objectives, recommending improvements as needed.
- Monitored evolving industry trends and best practices in survey research methodology to maintain cutting-edge knowledge base expertise.
Associate Director
Mathematica Policy Research
06.2007 - 01.2021
- Led teams of up to eleven personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on professional development opportunities and career progression paths within the company.
- Prioritized tasks and allocated resources appropriately to keep teams focused and productive.
- Established strong relationships with key industry partners, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
- Improved overall team efficiency by streamlining project management processes and implementing new collaboration tools.
- Managed cross-functional teams for multiple large-scale projects, successfully completing each on time and within budget constraints.
Senior Survey Researcher
Mathematica Policy Research
06.2004 - 06.2007
- Optimized survey distribution channels such as online platforms or face-to-face interviews to reach diverse participant groups effectively.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify relevant trends, contributing valuable insights to the research process.
- Managed research assistants'' workloads, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality output delivered on time.
- Presented research findings in a clear and concise manner, influencing key stakeholders'' decision-making processes.
- Strengthened team collaboration through active participation in meetings, workshops, seminars, contributing innovative ideas for ongoing projects.
- Enhanced survey data accuracy by designing and implementing effective research methodologies.
- Collaborated closely with others to develop new surveys and questionnaires, test survey links and proofread documentation.
- Contributed to grant applications for funding opportunities, securing financial resources necessary for successful project execution.
- Ensured timely completion of research projects by efficiently managing resources, schedules, and budgets.
Survey Researcher/Survey Specialist
Mathematica Policy Research
11.1995 - 06.2004
- Assisted in developing and testing surveys and qualitative interview tools and other data collection materials.
- Utilized behavioral-based interviewing techniques to conduct qualitative and pretest interviews and moderate focus groups with study subjects. Assisted in coding, analyzing and presenting results.
- Trained survey interviewers and monitored telephone interviews to maintain quality and rigor of data collected.
- Cleaned and coded data to prepare for data analysis. Worked with statistical team to weight and impute datasets prior to analysis.
Education
M.P.H. - Health Policy and Management
University of California At Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA06-1994
B.A. - Anthropology and Psychology
University of California At Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06-1986
Skills
- Organized, detail-oriented, proactive, professional, collegial Effective communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Skilled in a variety of survey software and sample management databases
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with teams large and small in the design and execution of health policy studies and surveys.
- Supervised survey researchers and specialists over 9 years, provided mentoring and guidance on their career growth and development.
- Collected high quality data and achieved high survey response rates through careful planning, use of adaptive design methods and multi-mode techniques.
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Mandarin
Limited Working
Interests
- Listening to a wide variety of music and attending live music concerts
- Cooking and baking
- Gardening and growing herbs and vegetables
- Dancing, walking, yoga and meditation
Timeline
Principal Survey Researcher
Mathematica
01.2021 - 04.2025
Associate Director
Mathematica Policy Research
06.2007 - 01.2021
Senior Survey Researcher
Mathematica Policy Research
06.2004 - 06.2007
Survey Researcher/Survey Specialist
Mathematica Policy Research
11.1995 - 06.2004
M.P.H. - Health Policy and Management
University of California At Los Angeles
B.A. - Anthropology and Psychology
University of California At Santa Cruz
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