Kai Smith Email & Phone Number

Long Beach, Ca, Us

Cary, Nc, Us

- Independently leads mixed-methods research supporting the development of mobile Fortnite and Epic Game Store experiences via test moderation, survey design, generative research, competitive analysis, and report generation

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

- Led the strategic exploratory, generative and evaluative UXR initiatives for Akili for the development of our FDA-approved digital therapeutic games for ADHD patients- Conducted market analyses through exploratory surveys to gain insights into user demographics, price modeling, and preferences for ADHD therapeutic metagame- Implemented multi-phased mixed-method strategies to improve therapeutic treatment, gameplay, cosmetics, and metagame systems, boosting adherence, and conversion rates- Leveraged survey tools and Akili's proprietary systems to perform large-scale user research, producing actionable insights resulting in significant revenue growth and user satisfaction- Managed research budget, new hires, and 42 user research projects, improving team efficiencies and accelerating product development cycles- Collaborated closely with Product Development, UX, Marketing, and Legal teams to ensure alignment on project goals, regulatory compliance, and marketing strategies- Oversaw vendor relationships, maintaining project schedules and milestone documentation, and monitored the progress of departmental milestones and individual tasks against schedules- Co-led Akili DE&I Culture Committees for inclusive and engaging company-wide initiatives

San Mateo, California, Us

- Supported launch of PlayStation 5 console, mobile app, Pro Controller, and Loyalty Program- Conducted early prototype testing for PS5 Media Hub, Store, accessibility features, Social PS Network & UGC platforms to gather user feedback and inform iterative design improvements- Optimized UX project workflows and improved communication channels with vendors and global stakeholders in Tokyo and London - Assisted in creation of user personas and customer journey maps based on research insights- Led DE&I efforts and mentored UXR intern, supporting their transition to full-time employment

Sunnyvale, California, Us

Research & Science | Data CollectionLed, designed, coordinated, and moderated in-depth interviews and usability studies for web-based research productsCoded and supported testing and strategic planning of cognitive-based assessment games for neurologic disordersDeveloped and led D&I initiatives, and volunteered for educational outreach mentorshipTeam promotion designer (team mascot and logo designs)

San Francisco, Ca, Us

PI Adam Gazzaley & Melina Uncapher | NeuroscapeFacilitated ethnographic observations for neurocognitive mobile video-game suite for a two-year longitudinal study for ~1000 students (3rd-8th grade) and supported data collection and moderationProjects focused on how multiple domains of executive control (attention, working memory, and goal management) contribute to individual differences in student learning

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

PI Amit Etkin, Psychiatry | The Etkin LabLed data collection and coordination of the Biomarker for Established Superior Treatment for PTSD (B.E.S.T.) for the modalities – dry/saline EEG, simultaneous TMS/EEG, simultaneous EEG/fMRI, photogrammetry, and cognitive tasksManaged patient recruitment and supported data quality control and protocol developmentLab promotion designer (logomark and recruitment fliers) Responsibilities: led data collection and coordination of the Biomarker for Established Superior Treatment for PTSD (B.E.S.T.) for the modalities: dry/saline EEG, simultaneous TMS/EEG, simultaneous EEG/fMRI, photogrammetry, and cognitive tasks. Manged patient recruitment and supported data QC, preprocessing, and protocol development. Lab promotion designer (logomark and flier design).

Altadena, Ca, Us

Project Coordination and Usability Testing | Treasure of Bell Island • iCogWell • Health in MotionBlue Marble seeks to develop effective and engaging therapeutic neurogaming software tools that empower patients, and their caregivers to take charge of their healthcare. Neurogames focus on TBI/Post-Concussive Syndrome, Balance and Fall Prevention, COPD/Pulmonary Rehab, Alzheimer’s Disease, Stroke and ADHD, all with a focus on cognitive neuroscience/cognitive control, neuropsychological assessment, skill acquisition, learning and memory, and physical therapy/rehabilitation support. Responsibilities: facilitated ethnographic field observations, usability studies, group playtests, system usability surveys, qualitative interviews, repeated-measures validation studies and game piloting; coordinated subject recruitment, data management, analysis, and presentation into journal articles/white papers; developing and enhancing QA data testing processes, procedures and methodologies; grant editing and review, game design, task management, and publishing.

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

Directed instructional leadership for team of 18 after-school teachers and 100+ students K-5, and organized and tracked curriculum standards in reading and math skills. Responsibilities provided: distributed and processed assessment tests; directed professional learning for tutors and oversaw tutorial observations; provided developmental feedback, delegated staffing issues and enforced disciplinary policies.

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Student Service: Cultivated a reputable community of 70+ undergraduates while arbitrating conflicts and offered guidance and counseling; designed, organized and implemented student development programs centered around inclusion, social awareness, integrity and scholarship; academic service and career guidance.Administrative: budget management of semester funds; coordinated between university departments for various programs and assisted Vice Provost of Student Affairs; development committee leader and coordinated staff scheduling timelines; campaigned professional leadership seminars for co-workers and supervisors (marketing and graphic design, program design, wellness and community building).

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

PI Justin Wood, Psychology | The Wood Lab | Aug 2014 – May 2015 Independent research: integrated and condensed faculty research (invariant object recognition, double blinding and related visual perceptual cognitive domains) into multimedia scientific communication project “Bird Brains;” linking theory of mind and animal origin of mind research. PI Darby Saxbe, Psychology | The NEST Lab | May 2014 – Aug 2014Clinical research: assisted in coding and cleaning of qualitative interview transcriptions conducted with pregnant families (pre/perinatal/post) delivery; collection of neuroendocrine samples (cortisol in hair, nail removal and postnatal human placenta extraction); patient enrollment, care and documentation; data entry and analysis (Excel and SPSS).PI Judith Hirsch, Biological Sciences/Neurobiology | Hirsch Lab | Nov 2013 – Dec 2014Wet lab research: neurophysiological approach to feature detection and information processing via rodent LGN (lateral geniculate nucleus) and dLGN cell harvesting; whole-cell recording with dye-filled electrodes in vivo; tracing and mapping normalized mouse LGN in 3D virtual space on Neurolucida; microscope training, brain slicing, calibrating laboratory solutions, and animal-care.

Bachelor'S Degree, Neuroscience And Psychology

Education record