Sofia Stepanyan
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
I am a behavioral scientist and applied researcher with over 10 years of experience executing behavioral and mixed-methods studies, building research infrastructures, and translating complex data into actionable insights. Skilled in survey and questionnaire design, stakeholder consultations, and producing high-visibility reports and presentations. Experienced in developing research partnerships with funders, government agencies, and multi-sector stakeholders.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Analyst
Applied Survey Research
10.2022 - Current
- Led research strategy across 15-20 projects annually, aligning evaluation goals with partners’ organizational priorities.
- Designed and conducted complex, community-driven research and evaluation projects, in areas of childhood education and development, healthcare, social safety, and justice.
- Conducted longitudinal trend analyses for Santa Clara County’s Neighborhood Safety Unit, identifying shifts in social cohesion and safety perception.
- Examined long-term changes in housing stability, well-being, and service engagement among justice-involved individuals for Santa Clara County’s Collaborative Courts Enhancement Project.
- Cultivated relationships with government agencies, healthcare systems, early childhood organizations and other community stakeholders.
- Co-developed an evaluation framework for First 5 Contra Costa’s Ready Kids East County initiative, through extensive interviews with school leaders and community partners.
- Led more than 30 in depth interviews and listening sessions for Keiser Permanente’s Community Health Needs Assessment to identify health inequities across Solano and Napa counties.
- Oversaw full project lifecycle, from design to reporting, for various studies with budgets ranging between $20K to $500K.
- Authored 10-15 high-visibility report, executive summaries, and research briefs for community partners annually.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Gannon University
08.2020 - 12.2022
- Conducted independent research using a large-scale longitudinal adoption dataset (Early Growth and Development Study), in areas of adolescent development, mental health, and family systems.
- Supervised and mentored multiple undergraduate research assistants across independent research studies.
- Prepared and delivered lectures on core and specialty courses including Introductory Clinical, and Health Psychology, Psychopathology, Adolescent Development and Psychological Statistics.
Early Childhood Research Analyst
Early Childhood Associates, Inc
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Implemented statewide mixed-methods program evaluations focused on early literacy, educator training, and child development outcomes.
- Conducted a large-scale needs assessment in collaboration with Milton Public schools to identify barriers and increase access to affordable preschool options.
- Led a mixed-methods needs assessment in collaboration with the City of Brockton to help expand access to quality preschools and special education within their school system.
- Designed surveys, observation tools, and multi-informant assessments to strengthen equity-centered evaluations.
- Produced and presented high-visibility reports and executive briefs to local and state stakeholders.
Research Associate
University Of California, Riverside
09.2014 - 07.2020
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team of researchers on multiple large scale longitudinal investigations employing cross-sectional and longitudinal methodologies.
- Developed surveys, interview guides, and analysis frameworks; maintained research databases and IRB compliance.
- Maintained accurate records of interviews, data collection processes, and project progress.
Education
Ph.D. - Developmental Psychology
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA07-2020
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA05-2012
Skills
Statistical analysis techniques
Research methodology expertise
Data visualization and storytelling
Survey design/interviews/focus groups
SQL and survey tools
Public speaking and stakeholder engagement
Languages
- English
- Armenian
- Russian
Publications Reports Presentations
- Lead author and contributor on multiple evaluation reports shared with partners, public agencies, and higher-level leadership, including countywide needs assessments, program evaluations, and environmental scans.
- Published in top peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Adolescence, Journal of American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, including the Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA), Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), American Psychological Association (APA), and academic symposia.
Timeline
Senior Research Analyst
Applied Survey Research
10.2022 - Current
Early Childhood Research Analyst
Early Childhood Associates, Inc
04.2022 - 10.2022
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Gannon University
08.2020 - 12.2022
Research Associate
University Of California, Riverside
09.2014 - 07.2020
Ph.D. - Developmental Psychology
University of California, Riverside
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California - Los Angeles