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Case Studies
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Let's work together!
You're looking for someone proactive and passionate. Who gets things done, and does things well.
Someone who is excellent at research, with a sharp mind, and the ability to analyse complex data. Who can apply research skills to reduce business risks and reveal opportunities for efficiencies and improvements.
A confident leader of projects and people. With fresh ideas and new perspectives.
Someone energised by collaboration and teamwork, but with drive and discipline to work independently. Who values and respects other people. Who wants to give more than they take. Who cares as much as you do, and shares your passion for diversity, inclusion, and outreach.
A friendly, positive, and easy-going person you'll enjoy working with. Someone who will thrive in the supportive and empowering environment you've created.
If this sounds like you, I think we'd work very well together!
My toolbox
personal
curiosity | passion |
inclusive | collaborative | exceptional work ethic
research
interviews | surveys | ethnography | focus groups | usability testing
tools
personas | journey maps | service blueprints | affinity mapping | Miro | Figma
Strengths
user research
Working in Agile multidisciplinary teams at Qrious to carry out research on client projects.
Research lead for a discovery project with a large client to create a digital transformation roadmap, securing a 4-year 7-figure contract.
Taking a leading role in planning and conducting research towards a mobile sales app design and build project for a large client.
Taking a leading role in planning, conducting, and communicating research to kick-off a CRM design and build project with a large client.
Contributing to internal projects: launching a new website; improving the client experience; and innovating business development approaches.
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academic research
Conducting original, independent research towards a PhD (2006-2009) and Research Masters (2006):
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securing external funding
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planning research
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conducting research
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presenting research at conferences
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publishing research
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teaching based on research
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building a research community
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receiving research skills training
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delivering research skills training
Working in Agile multidisciplinary teams at Qrious to carry out research on client projects.
Research lead for a discovery project with a large client to create a digital transformation roadmap, securing a 4-year 7-figure contract.
Taking a leading role in planning and conducting research towards a mobile sales app design and build project for a large client.
Taking a leading role in planning, conducting, and communicating research to kick-off a CRM design and build project with a large client.
Contributing to internal projects: launching a new website; improving the client experience; and innovating business development approaches.
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project research
Planning, leading, and conducting research on projects while working in various roles at Durham University (2009 - 2012).
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interviews
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surveys
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focus groups
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facilitating workshops
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competitive analysis
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site visits
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desk-based research
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reporting to executives
Working in Agile multidisciplinary teams at Qrious to carry out research on client projects.
Research lead for a discovery project with a large client to create a digital transformation roadmap, securing a 4-year 7-figure contract.
Taking a leading role in planning and conducting research towards a mobile sales app design and build project for a large client.
Taking a leading role in planning, conducting, and communicating research to kick-off a CRM design and build project with a large client.
Contributing to internal projects: launching a new website; improving the client experience; and innovating business development approaches.
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project management
Managing high-profile strategic partnerships, programmes, and projects across various organisations, including:
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Digital Institute Manager at Newcastle University, and University Liaison Manager for The Alan Turing Institute: the UK's national institute for data science and AI
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Management team for TechUP: Durham University's initiative for providing free training to people from underrepresented groups in tech.
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Managing a programme of activity for Creative Fuse North East at Northumbria University, managing innovation support for creative, digital, and IT organisations.
Testimonials
Elena joined our team as an entry-level generalist UX Designer, and was assigned to assist on a 6-week discovery project for a large client.
However, by the end of the discovery work, Elena had taken the lead on the project and established herself as the main subject matter expert for the whole client account.
As a result of her work, we secured a 4-year £6,000,000 transformation project on which she was the research lead.
tony mather
director of experience design,
Qrious
Elena was a breath of fresh air, bringing enthusiasm, passion and new ideas to a fast-drive and high-pressure project...
She demonstrated a great compassion for our learners, many of whom came from underserved groups with difficult journeys behind and ahead of them.
johanna waite
techup programme manager,
durham university
Elena can clearly articulate her strategic ideas and will keep suggesting improvements as those ideas are enacted.
She gives others time and space to voice their thoughts and builds on those comments to make others feel like part of the team.
mark turner
head of research software engineering, newcastle university
