Resume

• Studied phishing attacks, using signal detection theory to model phishing susceptibility. Generated susceptibility models based on interactions between persuasion strategies and end-users’ personality traits.
• Studied retrieval-based practice schedules, esp. desirable difficulty and relative spacing in order to optimize learning schedules. Built/hosted full experiment online, allowing for sophisticated reaction time experimentation within participant’s browser, increasing speed and ease of data collection.
• Studied novel use of eye-tracking to generate Theory of Mind outline of operator’s knowledge, as well as use of T.o.M. to augment operator’s Situational Awareness in complex monitoring tasks (such as those faced by pilots).

EXPERIENCE
University of Pennsylvania, Neurobehavior Testing Core
Philadelphia, PA
Research Assistant
May 2013 – Sept 2013
https://www.med.upenn.edu/cores/Behavioral_Testing_Core.html

• Studied transgenic mouse models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Administered behavioral test battery, analyzed results.
• Surgically implanted EEG/ EMG electrodes. Analyzed subsequent EEG/ EMG sleep data.

University of Trento, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences
Trento, Italy
Research Assistant
May 2014 – Sept 2014
http://web.unitn.it/en/cimec/10378/cimec-overview

• Developed and administered joint attention experiments. Involved in both experimental design and programming (Matlab) of a two-person conjunction search experiment utilizing an eye-tracking paradigm.

• Administered and analyzed neurodevelopmental assessments of children with Sex Chromosomal Aneuploidies, performed statistical analyses, generated posters and manuscripts detailing findings (3 manuscripts, 5 posters).
• Performed extensive literature reviews, culminating in contributing authorship on 3 chapters of a 47,XXY textbook.

Epic Games
Raleigh, NC
NCSU-mediated collaboration
Aug 2016 – Dec 2016
https://www.epicgames.com/paragon/

• Developed a HUD-specific tutorial structure for complex MBOA game, working closely with Development team.
• Accomplished the above through a variety of human factors techniques, including: component analysis, cognitive walkthrough, think-aloud testing, targeted surveying, A/B testing, card sort.
• Intervention was experimentally demonstrated to increase first-game enjoyment & likelihood to return versus control.

Valassis
User Experience Researcher
Morrissville, NC
April 2017 – August 2020
https://www.valassis.com

• Designed, conducted, analyzed UX testing for nearly a dozen Valassis products (internal & external facing), utilizing semi-structured interview, pathfinder analysis, think-aloud testing, task analysis, cognitive walkthrough, card sort, tree- testing, survey, wire-framing, IA analysis, and more.
• Presented findings/ insights to management and relevant stakeholders, using data to propose & justify changes.
• Worked closely with Product Management, Design, and Engineering teams to appropriately implement UX Research findings into product lifecycle, through an iterative, Agile framework.
• Programmed fully online experiments (not just survey) to support site redesign efforts. Online nature allowed for massively parallel data collection, meeting time constraints while maintaining scientific rigor.
• Experience meeting UX goals & conducting research in fast-paced Agile development cycle.
• Implemented company-wide Airtable database of research insights, democratizing findings, increasing transparency, searchability, and accessibility for non-researchers, as well as bolstering conclusions and maximizing data’s value.

• Designed and executed UX Research around future-facing products 2-3 years beyond current offerings.
• Navigated unique challenges presented in establishing market potential of advanced conceptual devices.
• Proposed, validated, and refined multiple concept’s software and hardware elements in response to quantitative and qualitative research.
• Experience making evidence-based predictions of market trends via international surveys and targeted user interviews.
• Communicated insights to high-level stakeholders and used findings to advocate for proposed concept directions and next steps.

Think Company
Principal User Experience Researcher
Philadelphia, PA
June 2021 – Present
https://www.thinkcompany.com

• Full control of the development and execution of research plans for a wide array of goals, industries, and product types.
• Undertaking major solo effort to increase the company-wide quantitative research presence and offerings. This includes introducing statistical analyses, a host of quantitative research methods, and a more sophisticated data analysis toolkit. Involves socializing these changes throughout the organization and gaining executive buy-in.
• Directly manage team members on a project-by-project basis.
• Manage client relationships from the initial crafting of the SOW to shaping research strategy to executing and delivering findings.
• Strong time-management skills to juggle up to 4 concurrent client and internal research initiatives.
• Work closely with UX/UI Designers, Content Strategists, and Developers to deliver holistic, multi-disciplinary approaches to projects.

PUBLICATIONS

Manuscripts

• Samango‐Sprouse, C., Stapleton, E. J., Lawson, P., Mitchell, F., Sadeghin, T., Powell, S., & Gropman, A. L. (2015, June). Positive effects of early androgen therapy on the behavioral phenotype of boys with 47, XXY. In American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics(Vol. 169, No. 2, pp. 150-157).
• Samango‐Sprouse, C., Lawson, P., Sprouse, C., Stapleton, E., Sadeghin, T., & Gropman, A. (2016). Expanding the phenotypic profile of Kleefstra syndrome: A female with low‐average intelligence and childhood apraxia of speech.American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A.
• Samango-Sprouse, C., Kırkızlar, E., Hall, M. P., Lawson, P., Demko, Z., Zneimer, S. M., … & Gropman, A. (2016). Incidence of X and Y Chromosomal Aneuploidy in a Large Child Bearing Population. PloS one, 11(8), e0161045.
• Lawson, P., Zielinska, O., Pearson, C., Mayhorn, C.B. (2017). Interaction of Personality and Persuasion Tactics in Email Phishing Attacks. HFES Proceedings.
• Lawson, P., Pearson, C., Crowson, A., Mayhorn, C.B. (2019). Email Phishing and Signal Detection: How Persuasion Principles and Personality Influence Response Patterns, Accuracy. Applied Ergonomics.

Chapters