A Little About Me
Professional Profile
I am a driven UX and human factors researcher with 9 years of applied and mixed-methods experience, with excellent critical thinking skills. I am skilled at identifying user needs, elucidating areas for product improvement, and defining actionable solutions to provide users with an exceptional experience.
I have designed and led projects from end-to-end, managed junior researchers, and enjoy working with diverse stakeholder teams. I have worked with 600+ participants across projects, have strong written and verbal communication, and am skilled at synthesizing research data into actionable insights. Across research environments I have always been known to adapt quickly and am well equipped to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
My educational background is interdisciplinary in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, psychology, and physiology. Across my time in research, I have contributed to projects consisting of user experience research, market research, industrial organizational leadership styles, survey-based college student health and well-being, resilience and cognitive performance, interviews, biomarkers, and cognitive and behavioral outcomes of alcohol use disorders.
My background and deep curiosity around human behavior led me to a career in UX research. I wanted an outlet to utilize my research skills while also seeing the impact of my work, in a fast paced and collaborative environment. I strongly believe in the utility of research to inform the user experience across products and platforms in a way that greatly benefits the user and the company.
Education
M.A. - Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology
University of Houston
M.S. - Sports Science, Neuroscience
University of Pittsburgh
B.S. - Psychology, Neuroscience
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Personal Profile
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our pugs (check my gallery below for maximum cuteness!), going out to dinner and trying new foods, and spending time outdoors. I'm an avid gym go-er and love staying active.
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My Research Toolkit
Project Management, Research Design, Stakeholder Management
My user research experience spans across consumer and human factors projects for various clients, big and small (Fortune 500, multinational tech, large scale pharmaceutical companies, B2B, B2C). I have worked on projects across the product life-cycle (generative, evaluative, formative, and summative), have utilized various qualitative and quantitative research methods, and have experience working along-side multiple stakeholder groups.
I pride myself in my ability to adapt to new research environments and be a go-getter, whether it's a new research team, a new client/stakeholder, or a new project with a known group of stakeholders.
As mentioned in my "About Me" section, I transitioned out of academia into the world of UX. My involvement in research has been diverse over the years, supplying me with the ability to look at project needs with my own unique perspective, and to recognize how valuable the unique experiences of those around me are.
Please find greater details from my UXR and academic journeys below.
UX Researcher
UnitedHealthcare
Remote - Houston TX
My current UXR role sits within UHC’s Consumer Ops division. In this position I lead projects across member journeys and LOBs to drive exceptional member experiences and support business initiatives for the Fortune 5 company. I am continuously growing as a cross-functional researcher at UHC, owning project’s individually and supporting the broader research team.
As a UXR at UHC I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team that supports my growth and I am constantly evolving. Examples of skills utilized in this role:
Stakeholder management to effectively collaborate with various teams across the organization and properly scope and drive research
Generative and evaluative research, qualitative and quantitative
Use of dscout and Qualtrics to launch unmoderated and moderated in depth interviews, usability tests, A/B testing, preference testing, surveys, concept testing
Large scale secondary research and competitive analysis to support various mobile and desktop member portal initiatives
Leverages interviews with UHC advocates to enhance and fine tune UX internally at UHC
Collaborated with research director to strategize and build research repository, select optimal research tools, and standardize research practices across the Consumer Product segment of UHC
UX Researcher
Bold Insight UX Consultancy
(Contract - Remote and Travel Fieldwork)
This consulting position afforded me the chance to work with a healthy diversity of high profile clients and projects. In this role I was involved in both consumer and human factors studies, and on projects in different phases of the product lifecycle. I held influence in evaluative, formative, and validation products, trailblazing tailored UX solutions. Examples of my UX research project experiences include websites, apps, mobile phones, video games, online applications, medical injectors, auto-injectors, medical apps, consumer goods.
Skills and experience as a UX & Human Factors Researcher at Bold Insight:
Project preparation - creation of screeners, intricate excel datasheets, and moderation guides in conjunction with client feedback/teams
Detailed session notetaking, moderating, usability assessments, card sorts, root cause probing, among other UX methods
Stakeholder Management - project kickoffs, bringing stakeholders along in the research process, stakeholder engagement, client debriefs, final reporting and delivering actionable insights
Identified data trends and synthesized them for 50+ remote UX sessions
Moderated UX sessions remotely and in person - probing questions for deeper insights
Hands-on experience working on projects from end-to-end
Root cause analysis
In-depth analysis and consummation of project insights to build full project reports that deliver detailed and solution-based UX insights that maximized product potential
Assisted multinational tech and large scale pharmacutical companies in improving product UX and increasing profits
Instrumental in highly collaborative team based UX
Implementation of qualitative and quantitative UX methods
Use of Microsoft office suite, Google applications, Monday.com, HUB, Teams, Zoom, OBS, Air server
Remote work & Travel for fieldwork
Extensive and continuous internal UX focused training
Research Impact:
Mid-project pivots to meet research objectives and glean valuable insight from users
Recommendation of additional features products should have to be useful to users and maximize the adoption and use of products
Listening to user difficulties and needs to design and iterate on more enjoyable platforms/products
Leveraging examples of use errors and user quotes to influence the design and steps users take when two products are integrated together
Analyzing user errors and success to minimize risk and ensure safe and effective use of medical device products
UX Researcher
Tech Fleet
(Single Project - Remote)
Dec 2022 - March 2023
In this role, I was an integral member of a small UXR team for an exploratory project focused on generating pain points in the interview process for hiring teams and candidates, to forge a new platform.
During this time, I used a multitude of research approaches, in support of cross-functional teams, to drive product creation and design:
Market research and SWOT analysis of competitor platforms
Creation of remote screener survey and social media outreach
Crafted moderation guides for respective user groups of interest
Recruitment of 30+ participants
Led 10+ moderated remote interview sessions
Took detailed notes for research sessions and team-based debriefs
Forged product direction through research informed insight – weekly debrief of research insights to client & final report creation of actionable insights and presentation to client
Coding and analysis of UX findings
Research guided formation of user journey maps, user personas, and affinity mapping
UX tools and frameworks: Figma, Notion, Vowel, Google Meet, Agile methodology and scrum
Research Impact:
Brought user frustrations to light through in-depth interviews - insights fueled mid-project concept pivots
Generation of user pain points allowed for understanding and empathy towards users in the interview process
Research informed collaboration between stakeholder teams pushed product design in a new direction
The exploratory phase of the product lifecycle concluded and efforts were directed toward building out the first prototype of the product, with research informed design in mind
UX Certifications & Trainings
In an effort to obtain foundational knowledge of how to transfer my academic research and leadership skills into UX, I completed the Google UX Certification.
I have completed numerous LinkedIn learning certifications: UX foundations, interviews, questionnaires, surveys, and journey mapping.
I was enrolled in Interaction Design Foundation certification courses: "User Research: Methods and Best Practices" & "Accessibility: How to Design for All".
I am always committed to continued learning and development around UX and do so by attending conferences, taking on new projects, and networking.
What's in My Toolkit?
Soft skills: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, Enthusiasm for continued education and team collaboration, research leadership and team management experience, stakeholder management, cross functional team member, Self-motivated, takes initiative, goal-oriented, reliable, dedicated
Hard skills: Experience with statistical analysis tools (SPSS, SAS, R, Prism, Excel), skilled in qualitative and quantitative research methods, Generative and Evaluative research, UX methods, usability testing, creating moderation guides and datasheets, interview moderation, participant recruitment, survey design, persona development, user journey mapping, affinity mapping, concept testing, card sorts, tree testing, heuristic evaluation, contextual inquiry, prototype testing, HCI, HCD, data management, data visualization, delivering research insights, project management, social listening, competitive analysis, SWOT, Figma/Figjam, Microsoft office, Zoom, Teams, OBS, Monday.com, HUB, Vowel, Notion, Google applications, Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, Redcap, Mural, Miro, MuiQ
Leading Academic Research
Neuroscience, Psychology, & Physiology
Do Circulating Sex Hormones Influence Neuronal Susceptibility to Binge Alcohol?
For this project, I designed and implemented an end-to-end research project investigating the interaction of sex hormones and stress hormones on the neurodegenerative properties of binge alcohol exposure.
Following data collection completion and data management, I conducted statistical analyses on behavioral, neuronal, and biomarker-based data using SPSS, SAS, Prism, and R, through methods such as ANOVA, t-tests, and correlation analyses.
The project aimed to advance our understanding of sex-specific outcomes of binge alcohol use and guide translational solutions to treat and understand sex differences in substance use.
To date, I have produced 3 peer-reviewed abstracts, 3 conference presentations, a research proposal paper/presentation to stakeholders, a defense paper/presentation and have multiple publications still in the works with the team.
Binge Alcohol in the Aged Brain
In an effort to gain a better understanding of how binge alcohol impacts the aged brain, I designed a project to explore the relationship between aging and alcohol. I started this project with the aim to expand this work by collaborating with other labs who have the facilities and prior experience to investigate this project further.
This project has been taken over but current lab members and in continuing.
Exercise Neuroprotection from Binge Alcohol Damage
We know exercise is beneficial to the body, and in recent years the positive effects in the brain have also been illuminated. This project aimed to elucidate mechanisms by which exercise exerts neuronal protection when faced with alcohol exposure. The specific outcome measures of this project include biomarkers, behavioral data, cell quantification, and running output.
Answering questions about this topic is essential for understanding the mechanistic role exercise plays in promoting brain health across disease and disorders and informs best practices for developing tools to adequately treat disease.
Statistical analysis using SPSS, Prism, Excel, SAS, and R have been utilized to continuously communicate project insights to the research team and collaborators.
Current tangibles of this work consist of 1 conference abstract and presentation, along with a publication in the works.
Gene Expression Profiles: Binge Alcohol & Exercise Intervention
In an effort to better understanding how alcohol alters the brain, and in what ways exercise can protect the brain, RNAseq is being used to assess gene expression profiles. I put this project in motion and collaborated with colleagues from UC Boulder. RNAseq techniques to investigate the gene expression, create gene libraries, and statistically analyze the data were used to complete this project with the goal of gaining knowledge of potential mitigations to alcohol-based damage.
Optimizing Cognitive and Physiological Resilience
From May 2019 to June 2021, I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member of a large, cross functional, team of researchers conducting various projects to optimize cognitive/ physical performance and understand human behavior and motivations.
During this time, I received my M.S., while playing an integral role in participant recruitment and data collection across studies. I utilized survey and interview data collection, computer-based cognitive tasks, physiological performance indicators, as well as nutritional and sleep data.
Throughout the course of these projects, I played a key role in data collection, management, mentorship of junior researchers, data analysis and presenting research insights to higher-ups.
During this time, I was responsible for 10 presentations to stakeholders and collaborators, 9 abstracts and conference presentations, 200+ participants recruited/surveyed/interviewed, and 3 peer-reviewed publications.
Research Assistantships
My first few years of research experience allowed me to obtain cross-functional insight, working across neuroscience and psychology relevant disciplines. I have participated in memory research, understanding leadership and employee interactions in industry, survey-based projects for understanding college student health and well-being, and biofeedback studies. For these projects, I participated in recruitment, data collection/management, statistical analysis, and gave presentations on research findings.
Publications & Presentations
M.A. Thesis - University of Houston
“Do Circulating Sex Hormones Influence Neuronal Susceptibility to Binge Alcohol?” Alaska L Beck. Thesis Submission to the Department of Psychology, University of Houston. May 2023. (Submission to Journal in the works)
Conference Submissions - University of Houston
“Contribution of Sex and Stress Hormones to the Effects of Repeated Binge Alcohol.” A.L. Beck1 , E. Met Hoxha1 , M. Spinetta2 , D. Bravo1 , K.H. Gehm1 , C.G. Kennedy1 , J.L. Leasure1 . Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, Department of Psychology, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122. Society for Neuroscience, November 2022, San Diego CA.
“Interaction of Sex and Stress Hormones on the Neurodegenerative Effects of Binge Alcohol.” A.L. Beck1 , E. Met Hoxha1 , M. Spinetta2 , D. Bravo1 , K.H. Gehm1 , C.G. Kennedy1 , J.D. Green1 , J.L. Leasure1 . Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204. Department of Psychology, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122. GCC Mental Health Conference, Houston TX, September 2022
"Binge Alcohol Exposure: Investigation of Potential Mechanisms of Exercise Neuroprotection" A.L. Beck 1 , E. Met Hoxha 1 , M. Spinetta 2 , D. Bravo 1 , K.H. Gehm 1 , C.G. Kennedy 1 , J.L. Leasure 1
Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204
Department of Psychology, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122. Research Society for Alcoholism 2023
Publications - University of Pittsburgh
“Military Tactical Adaptive Decision Making and Neurocognitive Function During Simulated Military Operational Stress is Influenced by Personality and Resilience Traits, and Aerobic Fitness” Nicole M. Sekel1 , William R. Conkright1 , Meaghan E. Beckner1 , Alice D. Lagoy1 , Felix Proessl1 , Leslie R. Jabloner1 , Alaska L. Beck1 , Shawn Eagle1 , Mita Lovalekar1 , Amy Haufler2 , Fabio Ferrarelli1 , Anne Germain1 , Michael Dretsch3 , Shawn D. Flanagan1 , Christopher Connaboy1 , Bradley C. Nindl1 , FACSM. University of Pittsburgh1 , Johns Hopkins University2 , Walter Reed Army Institute of Research3 . Published – Frontiers in Psychology 2023
“Finding a Rhythm: Relating Ultra Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Measures in Healthy Young Adults During Rest, Exercise, and Recovery” Canino MC, Dunn-Lewis C, Proessl F, LaGoy AD, Beck AL, Vaughan GP, Sterczala AJ, Connaboy C, Kraemer WJ, and Flanagan SD. Published – Autonomic Neuroscience 2022.
“Prevention of Non-Combat-Related Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury in Tactical Populations: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials from 1955 to 2017” Aaron M. Sinnott, Kellen T. Krajewski, Alice D. LaGoy, Meaghan E. Beckner, Felix Proessl, Maria C. Canino, Alaska L. Beck, Bradley C. Nindl, Rose L. Turner, Mita T. Lovalekar, Chris Connaboy, and Shawn D. Flanagan. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Manuscript submitted (Under Review)
Conference Submissions - University of Pittsburgh
“Mapping the homunculus: agreement between fMRI and TMS-based motor cortex hand, trunk and leg representations” Proessl F, Canino MC, Hougland J, Beck AL, Baker J, Connaboy C, Nindl BC, Flanagan SD. Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Abstract submission to International Brain Stimulation Conference 2021.
“Characterizing stimulus response curves in hand, postural, and lower-extremity corticomotor representations” Maria C. Canino, Felix Proessl, Juliana Hougland, Alaska L. Beck, James Baker, Christopher Connaboy, Bradley C. Nindl, and Shawn D. Flanagan. Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Abstract submission to International Brain Stimulation Conference 2021.
“Relationships Among State-Specific Ultra-Short Term Heart Rate Variability Measures and Physical Fitness” Maria C. Canino1 , Courtenay Dunn-Lewis2 , Felix Proessl1 , Alice LaGoy1 , Gregory P Vaughan3 , Alaska L. Beck1 , Adam J. Sterczala1 , Chris Connaboy1 , William J Kraemer4 , and Shawn D Flanagan1 . Abstract submission to University of Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Institute Research Day June 2021.
“Slow Wave Activity During Sleep is Significantly Associated with Military Decision-Making Performance in Men and Women During Simulated Military Operational Stress” Nicole M. Sekel1 , William R. Conkright1 , Meaghan E. Beckner1 , Alice D. Lagoy1 , Leslie R. Jabloner1 , Alaska L. Beck1 , Shawn Eagle1 , Mita Lovalekar1 , Amy Haufler2 , Fabio Ferrarelli1 , Anne Germain, Michael Dretsch3 , Shawn D. Flanagan1 , Christopher Connaboy1 , Bradley C. Nindl1 . Abstract submission to Military Health System Research Symposium, Kissimee FL, August 23-26, 2021 and National ACSM, San Diego CA, 2022.
“Deep Sleep is a Significant Predictor of Military Decision-Making Performance in Men and Women During Simulated Military Operational Stress” Nicole M. Sekel1 , William R. Conkright1 , Meaghan E. Beckner1 , Leslie R. Jabloner1 , Alaska L. Beck1 , Alice D. LaGoy1 , Felix Proessl1 , Mita Lovalekar1 , Amy Haufler2 , Fabio Ferrarelli1 , Michael Dretsch3 , Shawn D. Flanagan1 , Christopher Connaboy1 , Bradley C. Nindl1 , FACSM. 1 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2 Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, 3 Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Joint Base Lewis–McChord, WA. Abstract submitted to the Military Health System Research Symposium, April 2021
“Comparative Reliability of Corticospinal Excitability Estimates for the Vastus Lateralis During Isometric Knee Extensions and Squats” Proessl F, Beckner ME, Sinnott AM, Eagle SR, LaGoy AD, Conkright WR, Canino MC, Beck AL, Sterczala AJ, Midhe Ramkumar PP, Sciavolino BM, Connaboy C, Ferrarelli F, Germain A, Nindl BC, Flanagan SD. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Abstract submitted to The Society for Neural Control of Movement, February 2021
“Corticospinal Excitability and Performance during Simulated Military Operational Stress” Felix Proessl, Maria C. Canino, Meaghan E. Beckner, William R. Conkright, Aaron M. Sinnott, Shawn R. Eagle, Alice D. LaGoy A, Alaska L. Beck, Adam J. Sterczala, Chris Connaboy, Fabio Ferrarelli, Anne Germain, Bradley C. Nindl, FACSM, and Shawn D. Flanagan. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Abstract Submission/Poster for National ACSM conference 2021
“Sensorimotor Cortical Thickness Moderates Corticospinal Excitability” Maria C. Canino, Felix Proessl, Alaska L. Beck, Courtenay Dunn-Lewis, William J. Kraemer, Shawn D. Flanagan. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. Abstract submission/Poster for MARC-ACSM conference November 2020 & National ACSM 2021
“Sex-Specific Corticospinal Excitability of Military Personnel During Simulated Operational Stress.” Alaska L. Beck, Felix Proessl, Maria Canino, Adam J. Sterczala, Courtenay Dunn-Lewis, William R. Conkright, Aaron M. Sinnott, Alice LaGoy, Meaghan E. Beckner, Shawn R. Eagle, Fabio Ferrarelli, Anne Germain, Christopher Connaboy, Bradley C. Nindl, FACSM, and Shawn D. Flanagan. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Abstract submission/Poster for MARC-ACSM conference November 2020 & Rehabilitation Institution Day Poster Presentation October 2020 & National ACSM 2021
Conference Submissions - Slippery Rock University
“The Associations Between Marijuana Use, Life Satisfaction, and Stress in College Students is Moderated by Gender.” Bruggeman S., Hollis L., Beck A., Willford J. Slippery Rock University. Abstract and research poster for NCUR conference at Kennesaw State University in Georgia
“Academic Problems Associated with Drinking Predict Decreased Well-being in College Students.” Hollis L., Bruggeman S., Beck A., Willford J. Slippery Rock University. Abstract and research poster for NCUR conference at Kennesaw State University in Georgia
“Self-Determination and Exercise Enjoyment Predict Body Satisfaction in College Students.” Beck A., Hollis L., Bruggeman S., Willford J. Slippery Rock University. Abstract and research poster for NCUR conference at Kennesaw State University in Georgia
Please Feel Free to Contact Me to Chat About UXR, Open roles, or my transition from Academia to UX
Address:
Pittsburgh, PA
Email:
Phone:
8145161274
Alaska Beck - UX & Human Factors Researcher
Thanks for Stopping By!