Get to Know Us

11 Nov The Faces Behind Fluent: Mona El-Hout

Posted at 04:33h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent, Uncategorized

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary celebration, The Faces Behind Fluent highlights the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Mona El-Hout, a member of our quantitative research team who joined Fluent for the opportunity to keep learning alongside passionate, hardworking colleagues.

From monitoring data collection to analyzing findings and developing client deliverables, Mona enjoys the variety her work brings and the chance to explore subjects she might not otherwise encounter. She values the connections she’s made along the way, too, with Fluent’s first company-wide retreat in the Catskills standing out as a favorite memory.

Get to know Mona in our latest Q&A, including her love of teaching and mentoring, the creative hobbies that help her unwind, and why iced coffee is her ideal workday companion.

Mona, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I joined Fluent because I knew that the learning opportunities with such a passionate, hardworking team would be endless! Our wide variety of clients and projects make every day a little different. I’ve grown so much in my time here.

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

I’m a part of the quantitative research team at Fluent. A typical day for me usually consists of meetings with clients and team members to sync on projects, monitoring data collection progress, analyzing data, or working on various deliverables.

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

The most memorable moment at Fluent was definitely our time at the Catskills for our first ever company-wide retreat! It was such a beautiful backdrop to get to know everyone and the company on a deeper level.

What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?

Thanks to the different projects we work on, I’ve learned a good deal about many topics I hadn’t been exposed to before.

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

I’ve been really enjoying Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast lately! It’s so kind and laid back and a fun way to pass the time.

What’s your go-to productivity hack?

Taking mini breaks between long work sessions. Turning my attention away for a few minutes helps keep me sane and even more productive in the long run.

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

I really enjoy teaching and mentoring, so I probably would have continued to teach (but the grading part was less enjoyable).

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

Fluent has gone through many changes since I joined! As the team grows, as do our skills and interests and opportunities. I’m looking forward to watching and experiencing the company’s continued growth as we take on new clients and bring on more talent. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the team.

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

Innovative. Our team is excellent at meeting client needs, understanding their goals, and coming up with the best methods and questions to reach those goals.

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

Listening to a podcast or audiobook while I cook dinner. It’s a task that needs to be done and I enjoy making the mundane more entertaining. Taking my newly walking toddler outside on little strolls in the neighborhood is also the most adorable and fun!

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

I’ll pretty much go anywhere if I have a willing partner (and luckily my husband is very much a willing travel buddy), but right now I have my sights set on a Southeast/East Asia trip (places like Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, etc).

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

I love a fun iced coffee in the morning. I get teased by friends for taking too long to drink my coffee, which is why I prefer an iced drink. It lasts for hours and stays at the appropriate temperature.

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

I greatly enjoy arts and crafts of any kind. Painting for fun, DIY projects, coloring books, anything relaxing that I can do with my hands to unwind.

04 Nov The Faces Behind Fluent: Kelly Sheehan

Posted at 07:43h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary celebration, The Faces Behind Fluent highlights the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Senior UX Researcher Kelly Sheehan, whose path to Fluent began with a former colleague’s recommendation and a conversation with our team that clicked right away.

With a PhD in cognitive development, Kelly brings a deep interest in how children think, solve problems, and learn. She enjoys being involved in every stage of research, from designing studies and interviewing participants to analyzing data and collaborating with clients. A highlight was the PBS Dicey Escape project, which combined her interest in children’s learning with the opportunity to conduct research in person alongside colleagues she was meeting face-to-face for the first time.

Get to know Kelly in our latest Q&A, including what her dissertation taught her about getting unstuck, why she describes Fluent as “intentional,” and her plans to get back on rollerblades.

Kelly, What inspired you to join Fluent Research?

I was actually referred to Fluent by a previous colleague of mine who is now a client of Fluent. She had great things to say about the work Fluent does, especially in the kids and media space. I met Allison and Dan for an informal chat, and we clicked! I knew I would be a great fit on the team.

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

I am a senior UX researcher. One of the best parts of being a researcher at Fluent is you get to have a hand in all parts of the research process. I get to work on instrument design, moderating interviews or diaries, analyzing data, writing reports, and working directly with clients. You really get to “own” the research process, which gives you the ability to manage and execute research in a way that feels right to you. For me, that means being highly communicative with clients, ensuring research instruments and reports go through multiple iterations, and having silly conversations with my colleagues behind the scenes 🙂.

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

I loved working on the PBS Dicey Escape project, and it was memorable for several reasons. First, the study itself was personally interesting to me, as we were investigating the impact of playing a math game on kids’ learning. Second, we had a large Fluent team working on this project and we did the evaluation in person with kids. It was the first time since I began working at Fluent that I got to meet my colleagues in person, and it was fun to be on site doing the testing with them. Lastly, we worked really hard on the analyses and reporting, and it was really rewarding to see the report come together in a way that would impact the development of a game that would help kids learn.

What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent, Kelly?

I love the people I work with – both my colleagues at Fluent and our clients. Everyone at Fluent is so interesting and bright! When our project team has to problem solve or handle a difficult situation, they are always willing to help. I also think we have some of the best clients. They are smart, treat us as collaborators, and work on cool projects. They make the research we do fun and interesting!

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

I did my PhD in Cognitive Development, but my dissertation spanned areas like problem solving, symbolic thinking, and creativity. My research found that if you give 3 year olds a break during a task they typically fail. They’ll be more successful after the break compared to before. This is largely because young kids get stuck in certain ways of thinking (like adults), but taking a break can help them get unstuck and consider alternative solutions, increasing the likelihood that they’ll be successful. I always remind myself to give myself a quick break if I’m feeling stuck!

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

I read the The Catcher in the Rye in high school and many times since. It’s such a powerful coming of age story, and the writing in first person was powerful to read as a young person.

What’s your go-to productivity hack?

I try to schedule my most mentally demanding work in the morning and easy tasks for the afternoon when I have less energy. This allows me to check more things off the list. And of course, to take a break if I’m feeling stuck or frustrated.

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

I think about this all the time, mostly because I love research so much, I don’t know what I would be doing if I couldn’t be a researcher anymore! But if I couldn’t be a researcher anymore, I would maybe pursue a career in behavioral analysis. I’m a parent of two young kids, so I constantly find myself thinking about ways to reinforce positive behavior (and reduce negative behavior).I could see myself working with kids and designing interventions to help them deal with difficult behaviors. Alternatively I think it would be fun to do something completely different from research, like being an interior designer, or something more creative (despite my lack of creativity).

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

Whether it’s five years, 20 years, or more, I always see Fluent adapting to meet our clients where they are. The research questions, tools, and methods might change, but I see Fluent as being a reliable and steady go-to provider for strategy and insights. Additionally, I can see Fluent expanding and providing services we don’t yet offer, like training, education, and proprietary data. Our team is incredibly bright, curious, and driven. I’m excited to see where the next 20 years or so takes us!

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

Intentional. The people we are and the work we do is thoughtful but also rigorous and disciplined. We’re intentional about the work we do for clients but also about our relationships with each other and helping each other succeed.

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

Going out to dinner with my family, our local farmer’s market on Friday evenings, and binge watching The Office or Parks and Rec once the kids go to bed.

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

Coffee is a must, but I also love Aloha protein bars, pretzels and hummus, and seltzer water.

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

My husband bought me rollerblades for my upcoming birthday, so I’m excited to re-learn how to rollerblade and hopefully not break any bones!

28 Oct The Faces Behind Fluent: Aeliya Ahmed

Posted at 09:52h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

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 Aeliya Ahmed, who enjoys the variety of working across research in technology, education, and AI.

Her projects explore big questions about connection, productivity, and learning, but it’s the people she works alongside who make the experience especially rewarding. Aeliya brings an appreciation for her colleagues’ talents and a belief that curiosity about people should remain at the heart of Fluent, no matter how its tools and topics evolve.

Get to know Aeliya in our latest Q&A, including her adventures diving with bull sharks, the alternative career that would put her love of hosting to work, and the creative matcha combinations that brighten her mornings.

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

I’m a project manager, and I can be juggling anywhere from two to more than eight projects at a time! I enjoy the variety because I get to bounce between all sorts of projects ranging from tech to education to AI, that are tackling big ideas like connection, productivity, and learning.

What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?

I love all of the people! The work that Fluent does is so fascinating, so sharp, and so cool because all of the people here are so fascinating, so sharp, and so cool.

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

I recently got my scuba diving certification in the Great Barrier Reef! I love hobby collecting, and this has been my latest venture. My most recent dive was in Fiji, where I got to dive alongside massive bull sharks! It was an exhilarating, life-changing experience.

What’s your go-to productivity hack?

I’m a master to-do-list-er, so if it’s not on my to-do list, it’s not happening. I love to prepare what I need to do the night before, and time-block my whole day out so I don’t multitask and can give my deep focus to each task at hand.

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

I really enjoy hosting my friends and family and cultivating a silly theme or aesthetic, so I think I would’ve loved to go into event planning. Throwing big parties as a job sounds like my dream.

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

In the next 20 years, I hope that Fluent is still asking the same big question: what we can learn from people that we don’t know. I know that the tools and topics might change (as they have a bunch in the past few years already!), but I think this curiosity will always be at the heart of Fluent.

What’s one word you would use to describe Fluent? Why?

Can-do! Nothing is impossible for the team here at Fluent.

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

Patagonia is high on my list! I’d love to take a campervan around and see the whole region. I’ve heard there’s some insane hiking to be done.

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

The typical lineup on my desk in the mornings might change, but it always includes a fun flavor of matcha. Most recently my two favorites to make have been salted date matcha with homemade date caramel, and huckleberry matcha with fresh huckleberry jam from a recent trip to Montana.

27 Oct What’s Cooking at Fluent Research: Cookbooks our Team Loves

Posted at 11:20h in Get to Know Us

Celebrating National Cookbook Month with the cookbooks we love and the stories behind them

A cookbook can help us get dinner on the table quickly or inspire us to prepare a dazzling dinner party. Cookbooks also hold the recipes we associate with holidays, family, or a particular place.

Since October is National Cookbook Month, we asked our colleagues at Fluent to share their favorite cookbooks and what they love about them. Eleven people responded, and no two named the same book. Several shared more than one.

Their picks range from practical guides for busy evenings to books that have been part of their kitchens for decades. Here are the cookbooks our team recommends, along with the stories behind their choices.

Cookbooks for Busy Days

Amanda Marziliano

What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking: Make It Fast by Caroline Chambers

Amanda looks for quick, delicious meals that work for busy families. She regularly cooks from Caroline Chambers’ books and appreciates recipes that come together without much fuss. For Amanda, the appeal is an author who understands what it actually takes to get dinner on the table on a weeknight.

Kelly Sheehan

Dining In by Alison Roman

Kelly’s husband does most of the cooking at home, but Dining In has delicious, relatively easy recipes that she loves. She also appreciates the book’s beautiful design. As Kelly points out, it makes a nice coffee table book, too.

Allison Caplovitz

Easy Weeknight Dinners by Emily Weinstein and New York Times Cooking & The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook by Nisha Vora

Allison likes having options and her two picks include easy meals as well as recipes that take a little more time, with enough variety in flavors and cuisines to keep dinner interesting. She appreciates being able to choose something that suits different tastes without falling into the same routine.

Cookbooks with a Taste of Place and Tradition

Mona El-Hout

Souk to Table by Amina Al-Saigh

For Mona, Souk to Table brings back the flavors of childhood through Middle Eastern recipes that are simplified and, she says, just as delicious as her mother’s cooking.

The written instructions are particularly welcome. Recreating her mother’s dishes over video calls can mean working with directions like “whatever spices you want” or “I don’t know, maybe a cup or two.” This cookbook gives Mona the familiar food she loves with the specifics she needs to make it herself.

Lia Abrams

The Sopranos Family Cookbook by Allen Rucker, with recipes by Michele Scicolone

Lia can picture this cookbook on the kitchen counter during the holidays. Her mother, who grew up in a big Italian family on Staten Island, has used it for as long as Lia can remember.

Among its recipes is one of Lia’s favorite meals: pasta aglio e olio for Christmas Eve. Her recommendation comes with the memory of a book that has long been part of her family’s celebrations.

Sofia Polo

Peru: The Cookbook by Gastón Acurio

Sofia recommends this book for its broad coverage of Peruvian cooking, with recipes from across the country’s regions. She appreciates a collection that covers the basics and brings that variety together in one volume. Its distinctive, recognizable cover is another reason she considers it a great gift.

Nellie Gregorian

Barefoot Contessa at Home by Ina Garten & Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

Ina Garten’s books are Nellie’s go-to, and she has about a dozen of them at home. Barefoot Contessa at Home is one favorite, and Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking also makes her list.

Nellie appreciates uncomplicated recipes with short ingredient lists, and helpful pictures are a plus. Her tastes span French and Italian food as well as Armenian and Russian home cooking. The most important book in her collection, however, holds her grandmother’s and mother’s recipes.

Cookbooks that Build Confidence in the Kitchen

Charlotte Beatty

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat

Charlotte appreciates a cookbook that explains the science behind cooking. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat focuses on four fundamental elements and how they work together. What appeals to Charlotte is learning principles she can apply across dishes and cuisines, giving her a foundation for cooking that extends beyond any one recipe.

Dana Markow

Dana shared four favorites that cover a wide range of cooking and baking:

Once Upon a Tart… by Frank Mentesana and Jerome Audureau, with Carolynn Carreño. Soups, salads, and desserts from the New York City bakeshop and café.

Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker. Dana’s pick for a reference that covers just about everything.

The Complete Vegetarian Cuisine by Rose Elliot. A collection devoted to vegetarian cooking.

How to Bake by Nick Malgieri. Breads, pizzas, pies, cakes, and cookies.

What connects these choices is the quality of the guidance. Dana values excellent instructions and helpful diagrams for baked goods. Many of the books also have photographs she describes as “beautiful, mouth-watering and inspiring.”

Cookbooks that Stand the Test of Time

Farrah Brensinger

Isa Does It by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

Farrah has had Isa Does It for more than a decade, and it is still a staple in her kitchen. She loves the vegan recipes, the book’s beautiful interior design, and Isa’s lively commentary on each dish.

“It’s an incredible book all-around,” she says. Her recommendation for a speedy weeknight meal is the Korean mushroom burgers.

Stefanie Cousins

Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen

Stefanie has been using the Moosewood Cookbook for decades. She loves the simplicity of its vegetarian recipes, particularly the Brazilian black bean, lentil, and split pea soups.

“They are delicious, easy, and nutritious: the perfect comfort food.”

Whether you’re looking for help with a busy weeknight dinner or a cookbook to explore at your own pace, we hope our team’s favorites give you something new to try. Maybe we’ve even inspired you to pull a well-loved, sauce-splattered cookbook from your shelf and rediscover a few favorite recipes.

By Stefanie Cousins, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

21 Oct The Faces Behind Fluent: Paige Frankovich

Posted at 11:00h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Posted at 13:31h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Posted at 05:26h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Precise – we are intentional and directed in our work.

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

Yoga or Pilates.

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.

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

Trail mix or a cardamom bun.

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

Posted at 04:23h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Posted at 05:05h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I’m a big Knicks fan. Knicks in 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.

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!

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

Posted at 17:39h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us, The Faces Behind Fluent

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.