Victoria "Tori" Balog
Livonia
Summary
Detail-oriented Project Coordinator with a strong academic background in research methodology, study coordination, and data management. Proven expertise in participant recruitment, standardized assessment administration, and comprehensive study logistics support, complemented by proficiency in workflow automation using Excel VBA to enhance data quality and operational efficiency. Committed to advancing program management responsibilities within academic or research environments by leveraging exceptional organizational, communication, and training skills. Passionate about contributing to impactful research initiatives and fostering collaborative team dynamics.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Technician
University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry
Ann Arbor, MI
06.2024 - Current
- Coordinate and conduct study visits for multiple NIH-funded cognitive aging research studies. Primary studies include 1) Driving and Physiological Responses, 2) Superaging Research Initiative and 3) University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project 4) Chronic Kidney Disease in Children
- Recruit and screen participants (late adolescents to older adults; cognitive status ranging from cognitively normal to early Alzheimer’s dementia).
- Administer and score neuropsychological assessments & psychological questionnaires (please see “Skills” below for complete list).
- Assist with IRB tasks (e.g., create study amendments, assist with Scheduled Continuing Reviews).
- Train and onboard newly hired research assistants and student volunteers.
- Assist with troubleshooting study equipment (e.g., equipment installed in participant vehicles, biosensors, etc.).
- Complete basic statistics, recruitment/enrollment projections, and excel VBA: automating repetitive tasks, creating custom forms, writing macros, and developing user-defined functions to streamline data workflows.
- Assist with the preparation of abstracts and posters, including literature searches, coagulating data from RedCap and screening forms, creating tables.
- Supervisors: Bruno Giordani, Ph.D., Amanda Cook Maher Carol Persad, Ph.D.
Independent Research
Albion College
Albion, MI
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Title: Exploring the relationship between Trait Resilience and Memory: Insights into PTSD
- Reviewed relevant literature and designed study methodology
- Created informed consent, debriefing, and study task materials
- Entered and analyzed data using Excel and SPSS statistical software
- Advisor: Dr. Mareike Wieth
Executive Board Member
Albion College Tour Guides
Albion, MI
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Participate in the creation of policies and standards for all tour guides
- Voice experience and successes to contribute to new approaches to promote the college
- Act as a leader during board votes and discussions to ensure alignment
- Have one of the highest conversion rates of tours-to-enrollments on the team
Tour Guide
Albion College
Albion, MI
12.2021 - 06.2024
- Conduct tours of potential college applicants
- Build relationships with students and their families
- Differentiate and personalize tours based on interest of groups
- Versed in methods of inclusion for individuals with diverse backgrounds and cultures
Project Manager and Technician
Sterling DPFI
Livonia, MI
03.2018 - 06.2024
- Managed processes/tasks for local facility/construction projects
- Experienced with cross-functional teams across the United States and Canada
- Responsible for prep work; organization; setup; staging; cleaning; installation; and break down of job sites
- Administrative responsibilities for site surveys; documentation of work completed; and ordering/maintaining equipment
Summer Research Scholar
FURSCA (Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity)
Albion, MI
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Title: The relationship between Trait Resilience and Memory using an EEG
- Received training in psychological research practices and analysis
- Reviewed relevant literature and designed study methodology
- Entered and analyzed data using Excel and SPSS statistical software
- Presented findings for my colleagues
- Advisors: Dr. Ryan Selleck and Dr. Mareike Wieth
Education
Bachelor of Arts with College Honors - Psychology Major with Concentration in Neuroscience
Albion College
Albion, MI05-2024
Skills
- Research data collection and participant assessment
- Administration of standardized cognitive and behavioral measures
- Research data management (REDCap, Qualtrics)
- Statistical analysis and data cleaning (SPSS, Excel [VBA])
- Documentation and reporting using Microsoft Office
- Compliance with research regulations (GCP, HIPAA, Human Subjects Protection, IRB)
- Attention to detail in protocol-driven research environments
Accomplishments
David K. and Patricia B. Hogberg Award for Research Excellence in Psychology
Phi Beta Kappa (National honor society for top 10% of graduating class)
Kirsten D. Metalonis, ’99 Summer Research Fellowship in Psychology
Scholar/Athlete Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Honor Roll
Sigma Xi (National honorary society for outstanding research potential)
Affiliations
- Sigma Xi (National honorary society for outstanding research potential) – April 2024 – Present
- Chi Alpha Sigma (Varsity student-athletes academic award) – April 2024 – Present
- Phi Beta Kappa (National honor society for top 10% of graduating class) – March 2024 – Present
- Psi Chi Honors Society (International psychology honor society) – March 2023 – Present
- National Society of Neuroscience – October 2023 – Present
Certification
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
- Human Subjects Protections (PEERRS / CITI equivalent) — Valid through June 2027
- Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) — Valid through June 2027
- IRB‑compliant research study coordination (Michigan Medicine)
- Clery Act & incident reporting — Valid through June 2026
- Bias mitigation and inclusive research practices
- Cultivating a culture of respect in academic settings
Timeline
Research Technician
University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry
06.2024 - Current
Independent Research
Albion College
08.2023 - 06.2024
Executive Board Member
Albion College Tour Guides
08.2023 - 06.2024
Summer Research Scholar
FURSCA (Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity)
05.2023 - 08.2023
Tour Guide
Albion College
12.2021 - 06.2024
Project Manager and Technician
Sterling DPFI
03.2018 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Arts with College Honors - Psychology Major with Concentration in Neuroscience
Albion College