20th Anniversary

21 Oct The Faces Behind Fluent: Paige Frankovich

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, The Faces Behind Fluent highlights the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Project Manager Paige Frankovich, whose path to research began in casting and production.

Paige joined Fluent and Fluent Productions as an assistant producer and grew into a producer role before discovering that the skills she enjoyed using in production translated naturally to research project management. Today, she works with participants, vendors, and research teams to keep projects running smoothly. While her work involves plenty of coordination and planning, the moments she remembers most are about connection: watching teens find common ground in a focus group or hearing children ask to return to Fluent’s Research Camp.

Get to know Paige in our latest Q&A, including her unexpected career journey, her love of a good list, and why her dream conversation with J.R.R. Tolkien would ideally take place on a walk.

1. Paige, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I was between contract jobs as an associate casting producer and wondering if there was something different I could be doing. I wasn’t actively looking for a new job. I enjoyed casting, but one afternoon, while browsing LinkedIn, I came across a short job posting for an assistant producer. It immediately seemed up my alley and like an exciting opportunity to transition into a different area of production.

I applied and started looking into Fluent Productions and Fluent Research, and I was immediately interested. I’ve always loved documentaries, and this felt like a great opportunity to experience a different side of the production world.

2. What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I started at Fluent as an assistant producer and worked my way up to producer on the production side of the company. Over time, my role naturally began transitioning into project management within Fluent Research, where I started working in operations. I quickly realized that project management was very similar to producing in many ways, and it was something I really enjoyed.

Today, I’m a project manager, and my days can look very different depending on the projects I’m working on. Typically, my role involves communicating with vendors and participants, programming screeners, collaborating with research teams to understand what they need, and making sure each project runs smoothly, stays on track, and follows the timeline for a successful outcome.

3. What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?

There have been a lot of memorable projects, but I think what stands out most from my time at Fluent is seeing the connections participants make, especially during in-person research. At Research Camp, I loved watching tweens and teens work together, have fun, and come up to me afterward to ask if they could come back or do it again. I’ve seen teens connect in focus groups, feel comfortable sharing their experiences, laugh together, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. I’ve also had parents email me after a project to say how much their child enjoyed participating. Those are the moments I remember most, the connections people make.

4. How has Fluent evolved since you joined?

Fluent has grown so much, and it’s been exciting to watch that growth across the company. As we’ve expanded, people have had the opportunity to take on new roles, explore different interests, and build their expertise, and I’ve experienced that myself. I’ve really enjoyed watching both the company and the people within it evolve, take on new challenges, and discover new interests.

5. What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?

Everything! I really didn’t think about research in any capacity before joining Fluent. One of the biggest things that surprised me was the scale of research that can go into something that might seem really small. I’m constantly amazed by the types of projects that require research, especially topics I never would have thought needed to be studied so deeply.

Our work is diverse, and I love getting to see projects about topics I find interesting and learning about things I might not otherwise have thought about. Research is still a relatively new industry to me, so there’s always something that surprises me. I feel like I’m learning something new every day.

6. What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent, Paige?

I love working with my colleagues. The projects I work on are interesting, and I learn a lot from them, but the people I work with are one of my favorite parts of the job. Working in operations means I get to collaborate with many different people across the company, some more often than others. It’s always fun when I get the chance to work on a project with someone I haven’t worked with in a while.

7. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I trained and taught as a yoga instructor and also earned my personal training certification. I considered working full-time in that world, but ultimately, my career took a different path.

I loved my time teaching yoga, and I’m still a little sad that I never really got to use my personal training certification, especially because I worked so hard to earn it. I came close to working at a few gyms, but unfortunately, they were small and ended up closing during the pandemic. I’d love to continue growing my yoga practice, deepen my knowledge, and expand my skills in that area.

8. If you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?

I’ve thought about this question a lot over the years, and every time someone asks me, my answer is always J.R.R. Tolkien. I’m in love with The Lord of the Rings, and years ago, I would have chosen him simply because of how much I loved the books. But as I’ve gotten older and learned more about his life, I’ve become just as interested in him as a person.

I would love to hear him talk about his life, his experiences, and the way he saw the world. He was known for talking at length and in great detail about specific things, even something as simple as a plant he might notice on a walk, which I think is reflected in the way he writes. I would love to go on a walk with him and hear how he described what he saw, what caught his attention, and what he was thinking about.

9. What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

There are so many books, movies, podcasts, and TV shows I could recommend, I’m always recommending something! But if I really think about it, as a woman, I’d recommend The Red Tent. It’s a story about womanhood, love, friendship, and life.

The book is inspired by a very short story in the Bible, where the character the story is about, Dinah, is only mentioned once. The author takes Dinah’s story, which is told through a male perspective in the Bible, and reimagines it through her eyes, giving her a life, a voice, and a story of her own.

At its heart, the book is about female solidarity, healing, and the power of women supporting one another. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking, and it’s a story that will stay with me for a long time.

10. What’s your go-to productivity hack?

I make lists, a lot of lists. It’s how I stay productive and keep track of what needs to get done. There’s something really satisfying about checking things off and watching my to-do list get shorter. Sometimes I’ll even write down something I’ve already finished just so I can check it off! It’s the easiest way for me to stay organized and make sure everything that needs to get done actually gets done.

11. Paige, if you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

I started out in the entertainment industry, so my career probably would have stayed in that world in some way, shape, or form. Producing, organization, and event planning are all things I feel I’m good at, and I know I could thrive in a career that uses those skills.

Alternatively, I could see myself working in archives. If I weren’t working in research and hadn’t gone to school for film, I might have gone in that direction. I find history fascinating, I’m really organized, and that kind of environment seems like it would suit me well.

Or, in a completely different direction, I could see myself working in animal advocacy or at an animal rescue. I have a real passion for dogs and adoption, and I think it would be a challenging but incredibly rewarding career.

12. What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?

Fluent’s 20th anniversary represents the growth, expertise, connection, and commitment we’ve built as a company over the years. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve contributed and a reminder of how much more we have to offer in the years ahead.

13. How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?

AI is a topic that touches almost everything right now, and I think Fluent does an amazing job of keeping research human centered. As the world continues to evolve and Fluent evolves with it, I believe we’ll continue to find ways to keep people at the heart of the research and help guide companies in a thoughtful, positive direction.

14. What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?

Thoughtful. Fluent approaches research with intention and care, always considering the people behind the research and how the work can lead to meaningful insights.

15. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

I take my dog on a long walk. Spending 30 minutes to an hour outside, listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook, and giving my mind a chance to focus on something else is one of the best ways for me to unwind.

16. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I just returned from a trip to Portugal, which made me even more eager to explore more of Europe! Next on my bucket list are the Nordic countries and the South of France. Anywhere with bright, clear blue water is definitely calling my name.

17. What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?

I always have a “fun drink” every day. It’s typically some kind of flavored seltzer, something bubbly with a little flavor. The more seltzer-y, the better!

18. What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work, Paige?

I love plants! I love taking care of them, learning about them, and watching them grow. I have a pretty decent-sized collection that I’m always looking to expand. One day, if I ever have a backyard, I’d love to try gardening. But for now, I’m very happy with my growing collection of indoor plants.

14 Oct The Faces Behind Fluent: Lia Abrams

In celebration of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Senior User Experience Researcher Lia Abrams, whose Fluent story began as the company’s very first intern.

With a background spanning psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and children’s studies, Lia joined Fluent looking for a way to bring her interests together through research. Since then, her own role has evolved alongside the company. She began primarily as a qualitative researcher and, with encouragement from colleagues, expanded her expertise into quantitative research as well. Today, she manages projects across the research life cycle, from study design and participant interviews to analysis and reporting.

Get to know Lia in our latest Q&A, including what she’s learned about adapting research as client priorities change, how she keeps herself organized, the family tradition that keeps eight people connected across the country, and why you’ll often find her running through Central Park.

1. Lia, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I had just graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Psychology-Neuroscience-Philosophy and a minor in Children’s Studies, and I was eager to find a way to combine my interests. That led me to explore the children’s media space. A contact of mine with a long history at Sesame Workshop introduced me to Fluent, highlighting their deep expertise in kids and family research and their long-standing partnership with Sesame. After meeting with Nellie to learn more about the company, I knew right away it was the perfect fit for me.

2. What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am a Senior User Experience Researcher. I typically manage two to four projects at a time, usually across different phases of the research life cycle—from design and data collection to analysis and reporting. A typical day involves syncing with internal teams to align on progress, as well as meeting with clients to share updates, stay aligned, and adapt to evolving project goals. I also block off dedicated focus time to design research instruments, analyze data, and build reports. When we’re in active data collection, you’ll find me spending most of my day moderating participant interviews or reviewing diary entries as they roll in!

3. How has Fluent evolved since you joined?

When I started as Fluent’s very first intern, there were about 11 full-time employees. Today, we have a formalized summer internship program that has welcomed many individuals after me, and our team has grown to nearly 25 full-time employees! Seeing people join with such diverse backgrounds and expertise has made our company culture and capabilities even richer over time.

4. What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?

Sometimes the “north star” shifts! Projects usually start with a clear main objective, but in a fast-moving environment, priorities can evolve along the way. I’ve learned how important it is to maintain open communication with our clients so we can pivot when needed. Ensuring we’re always asking the right questions guarantees our final findings deliver the strongest possible impact.

5. What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent, Lia?

The flexibility and encouragement to try new things. I originally joined as a qualitative researcher with very little background in quantitative methods, but seeing our quant work sparked my curiosity. Even though I wasn’t formally on that team, leadership supported me in jumping onto quantitative projects and building those skills. Now, with the ongoing support of my colleagues, I manage quantitative projects myself. I really appreciate that there are no rigid silos here and that growth is genuinely nurtured.

6. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I grew up on the East Coast, went to college in the Midwest, and while I was in school, my immediate family relocated to California! Because of that, I have strong ties and connections all across the country—though it makes it almost impossible to pick a favorite coast!

7. What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

I love The Bossticks podcast (formerly The Skinny Confidential). They bring on an incredible variety of guests and aren’t afraid to dive into diverse perspectives. I’ve learned so much about fascinating, niche topics I never would have discovered otherwise!

8. What’s your go-to productivity hack?

Write EVERYTHING down! Even if you think you’ll remember something, taking it out of your head and putting it on paper (or in an app) takes a ton of pressure off your brain. To keep it all organized, I’ve used a task manager called Sunsama for years to manage both my work and personal life. I use it to set recurring reminders and keep everything on track. I can proudly say I’ve never fallen victim to a forgotten free trial or surprise recurring subscription because of it!

9. Lia, if you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

I have a few different answers to this, but I likely would have pursued a career in social work, nutrition, or something in the personal wellness and fitness space.

10. What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?

It’s such a huge milestone! It’s inspiring to see the company continuously grow and evolve as new talent joins the team. Reaching 20 years speaks volumes about the strong, lasting relationships Fluent builds with clients who trust us and return to partner with us year after year

11. How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?

I think Fluent is a critical force in the safe and effective development of new human-centered technology and I hope we continue to expand that role across the design landscape, particularly in relation to product trust and safety.

12. What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?

Hardworking. I have never met a group of people more dedicated to putting in the extra effort to produce exceptional quality. This isn’t a place where people take shortcuts; everyone deeply cares about the work they deliver, and it shows in the final product. Being surrounded by that level of dedication inspires me every day to maintain that high standard in my own work.

13. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Connecting with friends and family who live far away. I often spend my evenings catching up over phone or video calls. Every Monday night, my immediate family of eight hosts a Zoom call we call the “Virtual Family Room.” It’s made a massive difference in keeping us close, even while living on opposite sides of the country.

14. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I just returned from a trip to Portugal, which made me even more eager to explore more of Europe! Next on my bucket list are the Nordic countries and the South of France. Anywhere with bright, clear blue water is definitely calling my name.

15. What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?

I’m a big fan of seltzer or functional soda alternatives—Spindrift, Swoon, and Poppi are my top choices! I’m not super picky about flavors and love trying out whatever new option I can find.

16. What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work, Lia?

I love to run! As a New York Road Runners (NYRR) member, I regularly run races throughout the year, with the highlight being the NYC Marathon. I’m super lucky to live right next to Central Park, so my favorite running route is right outside my front door.

07 Oct The Faces Behind Fluent: Charlotte Beatty

In celebration of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring User Experience Researcher Charlotte Beatty.

Charlotte was drawn to Fluent’s focus on research that makes a positive difference in people’s lives. Her work brings together user experiences (UX) research, design strategy, and a particular enthusiasm for turning findings into visual stories. Whether she’s collaborating with young people on digital design or exploring how people use new technologies, Charlotte values staying open to unexpected findings and perspectives beyond the majority view.

Get to know Charlotte in our latest Q&A, including her background in ballet, the artists who inspire her, and the surprising role a jellyfish livestream plays in her workday.

1. Charlotte, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I was inspired to join Fluent because of its impressive range of work and focus areas. I really believed (and still believe) in the company’s ethos as a research firm – we work with partners that not only seek to improve products and systems for end users, but really produce positive impacts, whether that is making tech safer for children and families, supporting adolescent and young adult self-expression, or improving education systems. Fluent approaches the intersection of tech and human interest in a way that really resonates with my own interests as a researcher.

2. What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am a UX Researcher who focuses on design strategy, UX testing and foundational research. I am typically managing multiple projects at once, so a normal day can look like designing methodology and research structure for an upcoming study, collecting data for a study that’s in the field, analyzing data sets, writing up synthesis, or figuring out how to design and visualize findings (my favorite).

3. What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?

I loved our partnership with Pinterest a few years ago researching youth wellbeing. I feel like we uncovered a lot of unique findings that really highlighted the nuance in youth identity construction and wellbeing and how that can translate into product design. It’s also always so much fun to get to collaborate with young folks on how they want to see digital spaces designed for them.

I am also really proud of our partnership with the Google Vids and Pics team. We’ve been working together for a few years now and it’s been so much fun to support different iterations and launches of their products over time. Conducting research alongside active design iterations and product launches is always really exciting for me.

4. How has Fluent evolved since you joined?

Fluent has grown so much! There are many more talented and awesome people on the team since I joined four years ago. I really appreciate all the knowledge and diversity of perspective the team brings. Everyone has a different background and set of expertise. I think we all help inform each other’s work and make each other better researchers.

5. What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?

Being open-minded about your findings is really important, and so is valuing unusual, outlier or fringe data. It’s essential to try and stay objective as possible when you’re analyzing something and think about your findings in relation to the product or system they are intended to reveal something about – not in relation to your own perspective and opinions, or even that of your client’s. Bias can never totally be untangled from research, but I’ve learned that our work becomes much more effective and impactful for our partners when we take all of our data at face value and ground it in what it reveals about the products, systems, or end users we are trying to understand, rather than merely trying to confirm or deny a research question or focus on a majority opinion.

6. What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent, Charlotte?

I love the people and our range of work! Both make my day to day life much more interesting. Everyone is willing to help each other out, hop into different projects, and share perspectives on different project areas. I think because our work and our team covers such a wide range of topics and industry areas, it lends itself well to giving everyone a cross-disciplinary perspective and three-dimensional approach to research design and application.

7. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I was a preprofessional ballerina for my entire childhood and adolescence (3-18) and I still take ballet classes for fun on occasion, though I have shifted my movement practice to other mediums nowadays. I’ve performed many different ballets and variations but my favorite ballet of all time, to watch or perform, is Giselle.

8. If you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?

So this would be panel, sort of an esteemed council or Socratic seminar situation if you will: David Lynch, Clarice Lispector, SOPHIE and Lady Gaga. I am really inspired not just by the art that all four of them have created, but the different relationships they all have to the creative process. I think they are all completely unique and each made paradigm shifting, trail-blazing work that has not only completely shaped who I am as a person, but the world and culture at large. They all have philosophies and outlooks on art and creation that I find to be incredibly guiding and resonant. And they all know how to walk between polarity – I think there’s a palpable sense of joy in the work they all create that exists alongside more somber realities they may be simultaneously examining.

9. What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

Critics at Large by The New Yorker is my comfort podcast. I love their cultural analysis and the literary references they bring to their discussions.

I have way too many favorite movies to list here, but in relation to research, I recommend Arrival.
It’s about a linguistic researcher, and I could never ever spoil it, but it examines really beautiful
themes of being open to the unknown. I cry from happiness almost every time I watch it.

My favorite book I’ve read this year is Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. The writing is beautiful, the way Akbar structures time is so poetic and flows so well, and I thought the themes of pursuing art, finding family, and facing death were all really beautiful and well-executed.

10. What’s your go-to productivity hack?

NTS Radio, YouTube DJ sets, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Jelly Cam – a livestream of the jellyfish tank. Also one pomegranate Yerba, bricking my phone, and getting 8 hours of sleep.

11. Charlotte, if you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

In my wildest dreams I would be painting all day next to a large body of water or DJing with my friends.

12. What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?

It means I am but a small speck in a large and illustrious history! And that the founding team really built a strong structure for designing and executing essential research.

13. How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?

I think Fluent is a critical force in the safe and effective development of new human-centered technology and I hope we continue to expand that role across the design landscape, particularly in relation to product trust and safety.

14. What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?

Precise – we are intentional and directed in our work.

15. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Yoga or Pilates.

16. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I am going to Morocco later this year for a surf camp with some friends. It’s always been on my bucket list, and you can only watch Surf’s Up so many times before you must take matters into your own hands.

17. What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?

Trail mix or a cardamom bun.

18. What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work, Charlotte?

Cooking! I am obsessed with my grill and my dutch oven and using them to make new recipes. Also my garden – I am currently growing tomatoes and basil and hope to expand to some other veggies and herbs soon.

30 Sep The Faces Behind Fluent: Sylvia Rusnak

In celebration of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Senior Researcher Sylvia Rusnak,

Sylvia’s connection to Fluent began during her time at Sesame Workshop, where she regularly collaborated with our team. She joined Fluent to continue conducting research that helps improve the media environment for children and families. For Sylvia, a highlight is hearing directly from children about games and shows in development and helping shape experiences that support their learning and wellbeing.

Get to know Sylvia in our latest staff profile, including her thoughtful approach to writing, the books she returns to again and again, and the walks with her dog, Charlie, that bookend her days.

1. Sylvia, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I worked at Sesame Workshop prior to joining Fluent, and at Sesame I often worked with the Fluent team. I joined Fluent hoping to continue a similar type of work, conducting research that ultimately helps to improve the media environment for children and families. 

2. What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?

I love working on PBS Kids projects. It’s so fun to see kids’ reactions and ask them for their opinions on a game or show that is in development. It also feels great to be involved in building something that is good for kids, when so much of the media and tech landscape otherwise favors engagement and profit at the cost of wellbeing and learning.  

3. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I have read the Harry Potter books so many times that the specific number of times is a fact that I don’t even know. 

4. What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

I enjoy listening to The Wellness Scoop podcast. So much of health is over-complicated, but this podcast brings it back to the basics that actually matter and make a difference to our overall wellbeing. 

5. What’s your go-to productivity hack?

This isn’t necessarily a hack, but writing a first draft with the mindset that it can be “good enough” rather than “perfect.” Writing has always been important to me. It’s a way to process information and make connections, and I think it’s important to preserve that act when we analyze data and communicate research findings.

6. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day, Sylvia?

Taking a walk with my dog, Charlie. It’s how I start my day, as well. 

23 Sep The Faces Behind Fluent: Amber Gonzalez

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing to highlight the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape Fluent. This week, we’re featuring Amber Gonzalez, a quantitative researcher who helps turn complex datasets into clear, compelling stories.

Amber’s work spans the research process, from drafting survey questions and developing analysis plans to creating visualizations that communicate research findings.

Get to know Amber in our latest staff profile, including her memorable fieldwork on a PBS KIDS Odd Squad research project, the career she almost pursued, and her love for the Knicks.

1) Amber, what’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m a quantitative researcher at Fluent, where I’m involved throughout the research process. No two days are exactly the same. A typical day might involve drafting survey questions or a data analysis plan, digging into data, answering client questions, or developing insights and visualizations for research decks and presentations.

I also spend time thinking about ways to improve our workflows and tools, particularly when it comes to data visualization and AI. Overall, it’s a constant mix of research, problem-solving, and figuring out how to turn giant datasets into clear, compelling stories.

2) What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?

One of my most memorable projects was traveling to Texas to help with data collection for the PBS KIDS Odd Squad research project. I did a lot of similar fieldwork across the country in my previous role, so it was really fun to get back to that type of hands-on research again. It was a nice change of pace from my usual quant work and a great reminder of how much I enjoy seeing research come to life in the field.

3) How has Fluent evolved since you joined?

Fluent has grown a lot since I joined. The company has nearly doubled in size, so it’s been interesting to see how our team, capabilities, and the types of projects we take on have evolved along with that growth.

4) What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I’m a big Knicks fan. Knicks in 5! 🧡💙

5) Amber, if you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

I almost became a school psychologist! I was deciding between that and research, but ultimately chose research because I felt like it would give me more flexibility and a wider range of opportunities.

6) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I’d love to walk the Camino de Santiago from Portugal to Spain. I enjoy hiking and exploring new places, so taking in the scenery and discovering all the small towns along the way sounds amazing. Japan is also high on my list for many of the same reasons. I’d love to experience the culture, explore different parts of the country, and, of course, try all the food!

7) What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?

Definitely coffee in the mornings, preferably Puerto Rican coffee! It’s my favorite way to start the workday.

16 Sep The Faces Behind Fluent: Mary Meyn

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing to highlight the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape Fluent. This week, we’re featuring Mary Meyn, Chief of Staff.

Mary was immediately drawn to Fluent’s work at the intersection of technology, education, families, and girls leadership and empowerment. Meeting the team confirmed that it was the right place for her. Today, her role brings together research and operations, with days that might include designing a research plan, interviewing participants, connecting with prospective clients, or supporting colleagues on their projects.

What connects it all is her love of learning. Whether she’s exploring survey findings, listening to a participant’s story, or hearing a colleague’s perspective, Mary values the opportunity to discover something new every day. She brings an appreciation for both the data that helps us understand people and the stories behind it.

Get to know Mary in our latest staff profile, including her perspective on Fluent’s future, her favorite book recommendations, and her quest to visit all 50 states.

1) Mary, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

When I learned about Fluent I thought “Wow, this is where I want to work.” Fluent’s position as a forward-thinking research firm at the intersection of researching technology, education, families, girls leadership and empowerment drew me in immediately. Once I met the team, I knew Fluent was the right place for me.

2) What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am the Chief of Staff at Fluent, and no two days really look the same. That’s exactly what I enjoy about my role and about working at a small, dynamic business. On any given day, I may be talking to prospective clients, designing research plans, refining internal processes to make our work more streamlined, moderating IDIs (In Depth Interviews), or supporting colleagues on their projects.

3) What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?

Early in my career, I was surprised by how research can uncover people’s deeply personal beliefs and stories, revealing previously unknown themes on topics ranging from the mundane to what might be considered taboo.

I love learning about and witnessing the techniques that make this possible: data collection that meets people where they are, projective exercises that allow people to discuss topics in ways that feel comfortable but are still revelatory, analytical techniques that distill the data, and visualizations that can tell an entire story at once.

4) What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?

My favorite part of working at Fluent is that I learn something new every day. Whether it’s a finding from a survey, an insight from a research participant, a colleague sharing their expertise, or a client developing new programs and products, I am constantly learning.

5) What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I love traveling to new places, and I’m working on visiting all 50 US states. As of now I have been to 38 states.

6) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

I love to read, and I love to swap book recommendations with other readers. A few of my perennial suggestions are The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Recently I’ve been recommending Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace and Kin by Tayari Jones.

7) What’s your go-to productivity hack?

It depends on what kind of work I’m doing. If my work requires creativity or big-picture thinking, I take a walk and come back refreshed and ready with ideas. If I need to put my head down and get through a ton of data analysis, coffee is the answer.

8) Mary, if you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

I love that research allows me to learn about so many different areas. It’s hard to imagine doing something else! Had I not gone into research, I probably would have pursued a career in journalism or government.

9) What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?

As a researcher, I love to measure things and particularly quantify things. The quantitative researcher in me says that Fluent’s 20th anniversary represents hundreds of research studies, thousands of insights, and research conducted in more than 70 countries. The qualitative researcher marvels at Fluent’s story, how the work gets done, and the people who make it happen.

I’m proud to be part of a company with twenty years of high-quality, actionable research behind it, and I’m excited to see what comes next.

10) How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?

Research methodologies and data collection may change, and the topics that we research as technology changes will evolve. One thing that won’t change is Fluent’s commitment to giving voice to the public. 

11) What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?

Tenacious. Fluent isn’t afraid to tackle complicated questions, find hard-to-reach audiences, and go beyond what the data says to share what it means.

12) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Going for a walk with my family, hearing about their day, and being silly with the kids.

13) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

If I could go anywhere well then I’d take a trip around the world, of course! I would love to see Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world that I haven’t had the opportunity to visit yet.

14) Mary, what’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?

You’ll usually find me hiking, playing pickle ball, dreaming up my next travel itinerary, or spending time with my kids.

10 Sep The Faces Behind Fluent: Stefanie Cousins

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing to highlight the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape Fluent. This week, we’re featuring Stefanie Cousins, Vice President, Marketing and Communications.

Stefanie’s connection to Fluent began with a familiar project. Having worked on the U.S. marketing of the documentary Girl Rising, she was delighted to discover that Fluent had evaluated the film’s impact. She joined the team in 2021 and now helps bring Fluent’s work, expertise, and perspectives to audiences across our website, social media, and beyond.

Her background in journalism gives her a particular appreciation for research: asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, and making sense of what people share.

Get to know Stefanie in our latest staff profile, including her experience working with Barbara Walters, her favorite novel, and how she unwinds outside of work.

1) Stefanie, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I first learned about Fluent from my friend Allison Caplovitz. When I looked at the website, I was delighted to find that Fluent had evaluated the impact of the Girl Rising documentary. Because I worked on the marketing of that film in the U.S, I immediately felt a connection to Nellie and Fluent. 

2) What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

My role at Fluent is Vice President, Marketing and Communications. I’m responsible for the way we market our brand and communicate about ourselves externally and internally. No two days are the same. Read below!

3) How has Fluent evolved since you joined?

Fluent has grown quite a bit since I joined in 2021. Our staff has more than doubled since then!

4) Stefanie, what’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?

Before I joined Fluent, I knew that research played an important role in the things we use everyday. However, I wasn’t aware of the depth, breadth, care, and thoughtfulness of the work. Research makes a lot of sense to me. The research process of developing questions, conducting interviews, analyzing the data, and writing a report is quite similar to the work I used to do as a journalist. 

5) What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?

I love that no two days are ever the same. In the morning, I could be writing blog posts and working on social media. In the middle of the day, I may be designing new web pages and developing content. By the afternoon, I could spend time collaborating with a researcher on a new strategy for promoting our research or working with our director of productions on a new video project.

6) What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I spent many years working in journalism as a news magazine producer at media outlets like ABC News, The New York Times, NPR, and PBS. Some of the pieces I worked on over the years brought important issues to light. I’m most proud of the stories we produced about international child abduction, shaken baby syndrome, and the challenges discharged military veterans face in the VA system. 

For several years, I worked at ABC News 20/20, where I had the honor of working closely with Barbara Walters on a number of stories, including her interviews with Monica Lewinsky and Michael J. Fox. I was also a member of the team that produced her broadcast from Paris for ABC’s 2000 Millennium Day Broadcast, which won a Peabody Award.

7) Stefanie, if you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?

I would actually like to have dinner with my great grandmother. Though she wasn’t famous, she lived a long life that allowed her to witness nearly 100 years of history. She spoke several languages, escaped antisemitism in Eastern Europe as a teenager, loved her family fiercely., and cooked and baked amazing food that I still remember today.

Since she passed away when I was 11 years old, I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know her well. As I got older, however, I discovered that we have a lot in common, including our love for baking, cooking, and knitting. About 20 years ago, I traveled to Eastern Europe to find the town where she lived before she came to the U.S and that trip allowed me to learn more about my family’s ancestry. I have so many questions that I would love to ask her.

8) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

I love to read books, but I also love to listen to them. Driving and cooking provide me with the best times to do it. My favorite genres are popular literary novels, historical fiction, and memoirs. For this question, however, I’m leaning into my days as an English major in college. 

My all time favorite book that I read in college was Middlemarch by George Eliot (aka Mary Ann Evans). Even though Eliot wrote the book in 1870 (under a man’s name in order for publishers to take her work seriously), Middlemarch feels modern. The novel’s ordinary characters have complex internal lives, frustrations with marriage and ambition, and moral dilemmas. While I also love so many other 19th century novels, this one stands out among the pack. Eliot was ahead of her time. It’s a very long book, but I promise you it’s worth it!

9) What’s your go-to productivity hack?

I find the best way for me to be productive is to listen to Spotify focus music on noise canceling headphones and turn off the notifications on my phone.

10) What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?

Twenty years is a long time to maintain and grow a business. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone with Nellie and the rest of the staff.

11) What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?

Thoughtful. Our staff is insights driven, relying on research that focuses heavily on truly understanding people.

12) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

I enjoy cooking dinner for my family after work while listening to a book or podcast. I especially like trying out new recipes on them!

13) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I want to go to Peru to hike the Inca trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This trip would combine my love for hiking, history, and exploration.

14) What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?

I don’t tend to snack while I’m working, but I do drink a lot of water during the day.

15) Stefanie, what’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?

I am passionate about being active: hiking, going on long walks, and taking yoga and Pilates classes. I also love to knit, cook, and bake for family and friends.

03 Sep The Faces Behind Fluent: Farrah Brensinger

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people whose perspectives and experiences shape the work we do.

This week, we’re featuring Farrah Brensinger, a User Experience Researcher at Fluent. Drawn to the process of sense-making, Farrah brings together seemingly disconnected pieces of information to uncover the stories, patterns, and insights that help teams better understand the people they serve.

In the latest installment of “The Faces Behind Fluent,” Farrah shares what she enjoys most about research, why connecting with participants makes the work meaningful, and a few of the interests and routines that shape her life outside of Fluent.

1) Farrah, what’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

As a user experience researcher, I see my work as sense-making and forging new directions. Part of the joy of my role is taking what could look like disparate, disconnected pieces of information or data, and identifying the symbolism and story connecting them all. A typical day could look like moderating 1:1 interviews with user research participants, analyzing diary data, and capturing findings in writing.

2) What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?

I was moderating in-field research that consisted of 1:1 interviews with children. One of the participants was a particularly garrulous and incredibly intelligent boy of about 7 years old. I could tell he was having a good time during the research session, and I was enjoying the session as well. Completely unbidden, he came up to me after the session and invited me to his house to “hang out and play some more.” While I of course didn’t take him up on his offer, his comment was a happy reminder of how research can be fun for participant and researcher alike.

3) If you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?

Robin Williams, hands down. I think the conversation would be both hilarious and sentimental.

4) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

The movie Pan’s Labyrinth has the perfect blend of historical fiction, magic, and metaphor, with the power of a gut-wrenching twist at the end. The main character’s courage and love for her baby sibling is so moving. It is my favorite film.

As far as books, Circe by Madeline Miller has to be in my top 10 favorite books of all time. The writing is so rich, and I do love a strong female lead. 

5) Farrah, what’s your go-to productivity hack?

Noise-canceling headphones playing cafe jazz or soothing ambient (e.g., Henry Green) transports me into my own little, very productive, working world.

6) If you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

Probably a therapist or teacher/instructor, but really anything where I’d get to connect with people in a meaningful way and be a part of their growth journey.

7) What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?

Adaptive. I’ve witnessed Fluent navigate the seismic shift of AI.

8) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Cooking something delicious but uncomplicated, or going on a family walk with my husband and dog.

9) What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?

In our house, we are more than slightly obsessed with super-food smoothies (usually with blueberries or cacao as the star ingredient) and Aloha Bars.

10) What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?

Mat Pilates/strength training. It’s a great energy booster! I’m also looking forward to getting back into rock climbing and dance.

24 Aug The Faces Behind Fluent: Tiffany Salone

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re introducing the people behind the research and the experiences that shape how they approach their work. This week, we’re featuring Tiffany Salone, Senior Researcher at Fluent.

Tiffany is passionate about research that helps make education and technology more accessible and equitable, particularly for young learners, families, and communities that have historically been underserved. With a background spanning educational media research and video production, she brings both a human-centered and creative perspective to understanding how people engage with media, technology, and learning.

Read on to learn more about Tiffany’s path from video production to research and some of the interests and experiences that have shaped her along the way

1) What inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I was looking for an opportunity to continue researching how children and families use and learn from media and technology while gaining the chance to design and manage my own studies and teams. I’m good at managing people and projects, and I wanted more leadership opportunities than I had been afforded in more academically structured environments. The work that Fluent Productions was doing in 2021 also provided chances to use my skills as a producer and director from my previous career in service of the research we do at Fluent Research.

2) What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

All of my friends know this about me, so I guess it’s not most people, but I love languages. I started learning Mandarin at school starting at 5 years old, but I also expressed an early interest in other languages—one of the stories that I wrote and illustrated in elementary school was about how to say hello in other languages, including German, French, Swahili, and Spanish. Today, I have the basics down in Italian and Spanish; I have better-than-basic German; I’m alright with French; I’ve hung onto most of my Mandarin, and my latest project is learning Korean.

3) If you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

I would probably still be exercising my research skills wherever I ended up, but I might apply them to sociology or organizational psychology.

4) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

I love to knit. I usually have a couple of different projects going at once, so I’ll pick one up and listen to a podcast or watch TV.

5) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand to experience all of the different climates and natural beauty there.

19 Aug The Faces Behind Fluent: Natalia Belchikov

To celebrate Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people who have helped shape the organization along the way. This week, we’re featuring Natalia Belchikov, Senior User Experience Researcher.

With a background in anthropology and a focus on qualitative and ethnographic research, Natalia brings a deeply human-centered approach to understanding how people interact with media and technology. Her work is grounded in active listening, thoughtful analysis, and a desire to help create more caring, equitable, and empathetic experiences for users.

Read on to learn more about Natalia’s path into research, what drives her work, and how she approaches understanding the evolving relationship between people and technology.

1) Natalia, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

What originally drew me to Fluent was its core commitment to children and education research; I was deeply inspired by the idea of building a body of work that directly supports youth and learning. Beyond that, I appreciated the philosophy at Fluent that everyone brings a valuable perspective to the table.

2) What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m a Senior UX Researcher at Fluent, and because I’m usually balancing multiple projects across different stages of development, no two days look quite the same! A typical day might involve anything from writing instruments and fielding studies to collaborating with vendors, hosting dynamic brainstorming sessions, or crafting insight-led reports.

3) What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?

Conducting in-person focus groups in schools across a few major cities in the US remains the most memorable project I’ve worked on in the past five years. Getting to travel across the country to directly engage with high schoolers and explore the nuances of teenage aesthetics was such a unique, fascinating experience. It highlighted the power of immersive, hands-on research.

4) How has Fluent evolved since you joined?

When I joined, I was only the fifth or sixth researcher on the team, so I have watched the company more than double in size! Beyond our physical growth, Fluent has continuously refined its internal practices, expanded its methodological tool kits, and broadened the scope of subject areas we tackle.

5) What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?

I was surprised by how much creativity research really requires, but also how crucial it is to keep things simple enough that participants easily understand it. To do true thought-leadership research, you have to bring creativity and fresh, new ideas. At the same time, however, if those ideas create confusion or don’t land right with the participant, the data may be incomplete.

6) What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?

My favorite things about working at Fluent are the workplace flexibility and the incredible people I get to work with. My colleagues welcome out-of-the-box thinking and challenge me to sharpen my approach. Seeing how deeply everyone around me cares about their craft inspires me to bring my best, think critically, and keep raising the bar

7) Natalia, what’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I’ve been a traveler at heart since my very first trip to Québec as a little girl, where I insisted on saying “Bonjour” to literally everyone I walked past. I would always try to convince my parents to go to more adventurous destinations. I still love connecting with people across new places today and try to take 1-2 trips a year!

8) If you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Audre Lorde. She is such a brilliant thinker, and it would be an honor to pick her brain. I come back to her book The Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power regularly. Kirin Narayan would also be a top pick for me, I discovered her when I was studying anthropology in undergrad, and her work inspires me.

9) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is one of my favorite books; it’s a sweeping, multi-generational story that stays with you long after you finish it. In regard to podcasts, I’m a huge fan of Diabolical Lies. It’s a long-form podcast that always leaves me with a new perspective.

10) What’s your go-to productivity hack?

My go-to productivity hack would be the Pomodoro Technique. The hardest part of any task is just starting, so breaking work into manageable time chunks makes taking that first step so much easier. 

Second, I would recommend working with your body’s natural energy cycle rather than fighting it. It’s important to attune to your own natural rhythms, such as when you need to step away for a break, or even when you just need a snack and some water, because we all function in unique ways.

11) If you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?

If I weren’t in research, I’d likely be a therapist. When I first started college, I was actually on the pre-med track to become a doctor, but switching to anthropology made it clear that I was through-and-through meant for the social sciences. Listening to people, understanding their perspectives, and helping them navigate human experiences has always been at the core of what drives me.

12) What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?

To me, this milestone reflects a shared journey of growth. Having been here for several years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Fluent mature, and I’ve grown right alongside it. Reaching 20 years is a testament to the sheer commitment and diligence of our team. We come from so many different backgrounds, but we’re united by a common goal: delivering exceptional research and constantly raising the bar for our work.

13) How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?

I see Fluent cementing its place as a true thought leader at the forefront of modern research. My hope is that we continue to serve as an innovative, trail-blazing voice in our industry, especially as we navigate new frontiers like AI. I want to see us leading the charge in learning how to utilize AI sustainably, ethically, and responsibly, setting the standard for how technology and human-centered insight work together.

14) What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?

One word I’d use to describe Fluent is dedicated. Every single day, I see my colleagues put their best foot forward. There is a deep, genuine care here, not just for the research itself, but for holding ourselves and our work to the highest standard. That level of collective commitment is rare, and it’s what truly defines Fluent.

15) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Either taking a dance class, cuddling with my two cats, or watching a movie or TV show.

16) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I love to travel! I think I would probably choose New Zealand or the Galapagos Islands. They are both dream destinations for me.

17) What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?

I love coffee, and I make myself a latte every morning.

18) What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?

I am passionate about dance, personal style/fashion, and travel outside of work. I also try to make a dent in my TBR list, but at this rate, I think collecting books is also one of my hobbies. My goal is to have an extensive home library with something for anyone.