Mary Talbot Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois

Plan and direct end-to-end projects for qualitative and quantitative research. Engage external and internal clients to identify goals and gather requirements. Develop research plans and align methodology with each client’s budget. Provide status reports and presentations throughout projects. Assign duties to indirect reports, and influence them to meet goals for quality/deadlines. Write reports and edit work of other researchers. • Managed 3-5 overlapping projects.• Took over and completed projects that were behind deadline.• Enhanced value to clients by evaluating research methodology and providing feedback on possible changes.• Served as an evaluator for projects funded by the NSF and Gates Foundation. Provided feedback on research methodology, publications, and presentations. Conducted audits and prepared reports for funders.

Chicago, Illinois

Launched several research initiatives at startup that provides learning resource for professional development/training. Planned and managed the initial phase of projects. Adapted projects at the direction of an Advisory Board. Mentored other researchers and employees, including the CEO, to improve the quality of data collection and research ethics.• Evaluated a learning management system (LMS - Canvass).

Greater Chicago Area

Directed all phases of 2-3 overlapping research projects. Assigned tasks to Research Assistants, including data collection, qualitative analysis, and design of presentation materials. Managed client relations from concept through delivery. Designed quantitative and qualitative research strategy and materials. Monitored studies in the field to ensure deadlines and standards for quality were met. Translated data into stories with recommendations for action. Employed qualitative data to support conclusions and explore patterns in the quantitative data. Wrote and edited reports for diverse clients with high/low understanding of data and statistics. • Provided a client with findings that led to increased research funding. • Recognized by peers for skill in detecting errors in study design and reporting. • Served as external evaluator for clients (Lincoln Park Zoo, Magnetar Capital) to ensure quality and report to funders

Chicago, Il

Taught courses in Research Methods, Psychology & Law, and Social Psychology Lab. Demonstrated how to analyze data using SPSS and write in APA style.

Chicago, Il

Contributed to a team that evaluated STEM programs. Developed survey design and methodology. Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data. Conducted field interviews with principals and educators. Balanced priorities of several overlapping projects. Contributed to reports and briefs. Collaborated with a broad range of stakeholders and funders to achieve project goals. • Led a project to evaluate a digital learning program for adolescents at the Field Museum. Developed evaluation plan and metrics. Conducted field observations and analyzed data. Served as primary author of the final report. • Evaluated federally funded professional development programs for Chicago Public School Teachers through the Center for Science & Math Education. • Helped draft the research methods section of a grant to the National Science Foundation.• Played a lead role on a project funded by the Chicago Community Trust. • Primary author for two final project reports

Stanford, Ca

Analyzed data related to key policy issues (outcomes at charter schools and traditional public schools). Manipulated large data sets required for studies. Adapted findings to address variables (state data, poverty, race). • Primary author for a report on charter schools in Ohio. Completed media training as part of the project. Interacted with state legislators and the state superintendent.

Hines, Il

Analyzed qualitative data on issues impacting veterans, including the efficacy of call centers that serve veterans in 20 cities. • Facilitated focus group with medical professionals to assess issues related to obesity and wheel chair-bound patients. • Co-authored a peer-reviewed article.

Greater Chicago Area

Conducted a community assessment of Head Start programs for Ounce of Prevention Fund. Surveyed parents to determine additional service needs. Contributed to the design and execution of two survey projects. Collected results and presented them in table formats. Analyzed secondary research on topics that impact the areas being studied (nutrition, crime, urban planning). Compiled resources for site directors. Provided data that enabled sites to apply for grants. • Worked as part of an interdisciplinary team with scholars from sociology, behavioral psychology, education, and program staff.

Participated in theoretical projects related to group decision making. Managed data sets, performed quantitative analysis, and coded qualitative data. • Contributed to a textbook chapter, compiling a literature review on group dynamics published since 2003.

Chicago, Il

Worked on a large scale study to predict recidivism of sex offenders. Coded qualitative data from files of parolees to identify variables that impact recidivism. • Evaluated outcomes of a program for paroled women in Lake County, Illinois.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Applied Social Psychology

• Ph.D., Applied Social Psychology Dissertation: Impact of First Disclosure Experience and Internalized Stigma on Disclosure Patterns.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Philosophy

Activities and Societies: Alpha Lambda Delta (First Year Honor Society) Phi Beta Kappa Phi Kappa Phi Mortar Board