Get to Know Us

07 Jun

Posted at 14:53h in Employee News, Get to Know Us

We’re thrilled to introduce Kelly Sheehan, our new Senior User Experience Researcher! With over a decade of experience in technology, including roles at Meta and Age of Learning, we’re excited to welcome Kelly and her expertise in qualitative and quantitative methodologies to our team. We caught up with Kelly to learn all about her career journey, her passion for user experience research, and what brings her joy outside of work!

1. Tell us a bit about your career journey. What inspired you to become a user experience (UX) researcher, and how did you navigate your path to Fluent?

I knew I was a researcher ever since my first research methods class in college. I loved the idea that research could help answer any question, and bring us closer to understanding why people do and think the way they do. I went right to grad school to get my PhD with the intention of becoming a professor but realized the long years from research to publishing and academic bureaucracy were not for me.

I discovered UX research after doing an informational call with a former member of my graduate school lab who landed a UX research job. I loved that UX experience research was fast, and rigorous, and that you could see the impact of your research on people’s everyday lives. I landed my first UX researcher job at Age of Learning, an ed-tech company that creates educational products for kids, students, and families. I spent four years at Age of Learning leading UX research on their flagship app, ABCMouse, before leaving to work for Instagram.

At Instagram, I worked on the Integrity team, with the goal of making Instagram safer for teens. I led foundational research on users’ experiences with negative comments, as well as testing design changes to make hashtag pages safer for teens. After a year and a half at Meta, I worked briefly at a small market research firm called Brilliant Experience before joining Fluent.

I found my way to Fluent after a former manager of mine, who is now a client of Fluent, saw that they were hiring a Senior UX Researcher and connected me to a few people at the company. I was incredibly impressed not only by the organization’s portfolio of work but also by how genuinely kind and smart everyone was that I met with. I was also excited to work on a variety of projects and have the opportunity to hone some new research skills. I feel very lucky to be part of the Fluent team!

2. What’s a unique challenge you’ve faced in your career as a user experience researcher, and how did you overcome it?

I, unfortunately, experienced two rounds of layoffs as a UX researcher in the span of a year, during a time when the competition for a UX research role was fierce. It was challenging to position myself as unique in a large pool of highly qualified candidates.

I kept myself focused and motivated by doing lots of networking calls, which helped me get my name out there and also feel connected to the UX research community. In a way, I felt like I was conducting my own UX research with the goal of learning about research at other companies, and understanding how other researchers landed their current jobs. While it was challenging being on the job market, I learned a lot about what I want in a career and who I am as a researcher, and I’m ultimately thankful for the space and insight it provided me.

3. With over 10 years of research experience, what advice do you have for those looking to pursue a career in the field?

There are two key parts of being a UX researcher that are important for being successful. First, there’s the research part, which includes selecting appropriate methodologies, being a good moderator, managing research projects and timelines, and delivering insights that are impactful. I would encourage those new to the field to try to get as much diverse research experience and training as they can so that they can understand how to make the best strategic research decisions for a variety of situations.

The second part is the relationship part. Whether you are an in-house researcher or a market researcher working with clients, building strong relationships with your stakeholders is essential to being a great researcher because it ensures that your research is impactful. For example, I once had to deliver research insights that I knew would not be received positively by my team because the findings suggested that we should not move forward with a product idea we were pursuing. I had a great relationship with the product manager on my team, so I leaned on him to help me strategize how to present the results in a way that offered a more viable and exciting solution. The team ended up accepting my recommendations and shifting product directions, which led to the whole product team being successful because of my research.

What makes UX research valuable is not only that it is rigorous and designed appropriately, but also that someone takes the research and does something with it to improve a product or experience. If you’re new to the field, make sure you’re investing not only in your research expertise but in your collaboration and relationship-building skills.

4. What’s your go-to hobby or activity outside of work that brings you joy?

Relationships are extremely important to me, so I try to spend my free time planning activities and spending time with my family or friends. About a year ago, I started a “club” for my group of friends that meets every month where we take turns hosting get-togethers at our houses. I’ve been friends with the same group of friends since middle school, and having a recurring event on the calendar for us to get together brings me so much joy and means there’s always something to look forward to.

When I’m not sipping wine and eating cheese with my life-long friends, you can typically find me spending time with my husband, Frank, and my 2-year-old daughter, Madison. Maddie is absolutely wild and has boundless amounts of energy, and I love watching her climbing and jumping at gymnastics, digging in the dirt, and talking to literally anyone that she sees. Every moment with her is pure joy.

5. What are you most excited about in your new role at Fluent Research?

I am most excited to work on projects with an amazing group of smart and driven researchers. What drew me to Fluent was the people, who are not only incredibly bright and interesting, but driven, empathetic, and kind. Even when work is busy, people are always asking how they can help move a project forward. I’m looking forward to working with such great people, and I know I will be learning a lot from them.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn!

29 Mar

Posted at 12:53h in Content, Get to Know Us

This Women’s History Month and we’re excited to share this post from Fluent’s Project Manager, Aeliya Ahemd, where she shares her admiration for Jane Elliot, a trailblazing educator.

A woman who inspires me is Jane Elliot, a powerhouse educator and anti-racist activist.

First coming across her work in a child development psychology course in college, I learned about her groundbreaking “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” classroom exercise with her third-graders to allow her students to see firsthand what experiencing discrimination could feel like. Fifty years later, her work is just as important as it was then.

Elliot’s ideas about race were not popular at the time, as they challenged the deeply ingrained attitudes of her small, predominantly-white town in Iowa, but despite criticism and backlash, Elliot didn’t shy away from being a tireless advocate for anti-racism education. She confronted injustice head-on — and continues to untill today, more than five decades later. Since her “Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes” classroom exercise, Elliot’s work has been dedicated to the pursuit of racial equity and justice. In 2019, Elliot gave a lecture at my college campus, and getting the chance to hear her speak ardently and witness her indomitable spirit was heartening.

Above all, I deeply admire Jane Elliot’s message on the transformative power of education. Through her work, she doesn’t just share knowledge; she instills empathy and compassion, shares meaningful actions we all can take to create a more equitable society, and challenges us to hold ourselves accountable. She’s teaching us how to be better people.

02 Jan

Posted at 05:43h in Get to Know Us

As we step into 2024, our team is bursting with anticipation and excitement for the next twelve months. From sharpening skills to exploring new places, our employees share what they are looking forward to in the coming year! Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and new beginnings!

Aeliya Ahmed – Associate Project Manager

I’m super excited to get back to figure skating — I haven’t practiced ice skating in years, and one of my goals is to get into it again!

Charlotte Beatty – User Experience Researcher

I’m looking forward to traveling to a few new places in 2024! I’ll be going to Oaxaca and southern France.

Farrah Brensinger – Senior User Experience Researcher

I took a class in ASL for one semester in grad school. I loved it, and have been thinking again about jumping back into the language. 2024 may be the year!

Paige Frankovich – Associate Producer 

Getting married!

Amber Gonzalez – Quantitative Researcher  

In 2024, I’m eagerly anticipating a blend of tranquility and adventure. I look forward to deepening my yoga practice, reading more books, and embarking on exciting travels to immerse myself in diverse cultures and create lasting memories.

 

21 Dec

Posted at 16:32h in Content, Get to Know Us, Meditations

As we approach the conclusion of 2023, the Fluent team is excited to reflect on some standout moments that have shaped this year. Join us on this journey down memory lane as we celebrate impactful client work, innovative research initiatives, and the recognition of one of our exceptional colleagues.

1) Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™

Fluent Research conducted the eighth edition of the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™, a biennial national survey examining parents’ and children’s reading attitudes and behaviors. This year’s findings, including the correlation between reading frequency and emotional wellbeing, garnered attention from major media outlets such as Psychology Today and The Washington Post. Explore the results on the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report website.

2) Research Camp

Picture a camp nestled in the outskirts of Boston, where children engage in typical camp activities while sharing their thoughts with researchers on various topics. What began as a quest to find Latinx children for GBH’s curriculum testing transformed into Research Camp—an immersive research environment. This novel approach allowed our clients not only to observe focus groups and interviews but also to actively engage with the dynamic world of summer camp, fostering breakthrough insights and participant engagement. Keep an eye out for announcement about future Research Camps in Boston, MA (February 19-23 & April 15-19) and Los Angeles, CA, during school breaks and throughout the year. If Research Camp piques your interest, reach out to Nellie Gregorian.

3) Sofia Polo’s Outstanding Young Researcher Award

In November, Fluent’s Director of Research Strategy Sofia Polo received the Outstanding Young Researcher Award at the 2023 Marketing Research and Insight Excellence Awards. Presented to individuals under 30 who have made significant contributions to the industry, this accolade recognizes Sofia’s dedication, client focus, and insightful analyses. Sofia’s achievement underscores Fluent’s commitment to nurturing talent and innovation in market research.

As we bid farewell to 2023, these milestones stand as testaments to Fluent’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. We are grateful for the opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow throughout the year. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in market research. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here’s to another year of continued success and meaningful contributions in 2024.

By Stefanie Cousins – Vice President, Marketing and Communications

18 Dec

Posted at 17:38h in Employee News, Get to Know Us

From festive gatherings and Secret Santa exchanges to sweet treats and laughter-filled moments, learn about our team’s favorite holiday traditions that bring us joy and connection during this special time of year.

 

Aeliya Ahmed – Associate Project Manager

My little sisters and I love baking, so we’ll spend time making cinnamon rolls & chocolate chip cookies together for the rest of our family!

 

Charlotte Beatty – User Experience Researcher

My favorite holiday tradition is starting the day with having cinnamon buns with my family on Christmas morning and ending it with watching a fun movie. We tend to pick something long and epic — like “The Lord of the Rings,” “Stars Wars,” Ridley Scott’s “Alien,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Marie Antoinette,” and “Diehard” have all been some popular selections in the past. There are a lot of film buffs in my family, so it’s our favorite way to unwind and relax after a busy day of celebrations.

 

Farrah Bresinger – Senior User Experience Researcher

With my husband’s family, we enjoy a special Christmas breakfast every year. At the end of the meal, there is always the “candy cane bread.” No actual candy canes are involved, but the bread is made to look like a candy cane with cranberry filling and white icing. It’s tradition to grab a slice of the bread and then head over to the tree to open presents!

 

Stefanie Cousins – Vice President, Marketing and Communications

We have several holiday traditions in our family. We celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting an additional candle each night on our menorah, making potato latkes, playing the dreidel game, and exchanging gifts. On Christmas Day, we watch Elf first thing in the morning. Then we like to go to the movies and get takeout from a Chinese restaurant. Eating and movies continue to be the theme throughout the holidays as I cook and bake a lot and we make our way through old and new classics.

 

Heath Cozens – Director, Productions

It’s winter cleaning for me. A huge chunk of my life was spent in Japan, where it’s the local custom to do the big spring clean in winter, before or around New Year’s. It’s really therapeutic and sets the stage for all those ambitious plans and resolutions in the year ahead.

 

Tom Fuller – Vice President, Business Development

The only tradition my wife and I have been able to maintain without fail is watching “Love Actually.” We pretty much know it by heart. I make popcorn, my wife drinks half a glass of Prosecco and then we repeat the procedure while watching Notting Hill on New Year’s Eve. Sometimes the popcorn has gone stale and the Prosecco has gone flat by then, but we persevere.

 

Mary Meyn – Director, Research

I have always loved decorating the Christmas tree. I love looking at the ornaments we’ve collected over the years: one with a dated picture of my parents’ first married Christmas, handmade ornaments from preschool, and ornaments we’ve received as gifts from friends and family over the years. We all gather together to decorate the tree, enjoying the present moment together, while each ornament reminds us of special moments in years past.

 

Sofia Polo – Director, Research Strategy

Secret Santa with my family!

 

Dan Warren – Director, Youth Development & Education

Going to my Dad’s house on Christmas Eve and eating Nana Jo Jo’s meatballs. Watching Elf!

 

16 Oct

Posted at 21:01h in Employee News, Get to Know Us

Welcome to Fluent Research’s special Boss’s Day celebration! We couldn’t resist the opportunity to reflect on what makes our boss, Nellie Gregorian, unique. Join us as we share our favorite things about working with Nellie — it’s a refreshing reminder that a kind leader creates an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and ready to give their best.

Lia Abrams, User Experience Researcher

Nellie is such a joy to work with! She is an inspiration to me as a woman who is confident, personable, has an entrepreneurial spirit, and yet encourages us to enjoy the little things in life. I love seeing her in the office and catching up about our lives. She has an abundance of knowledge and wisdom and I have learned so much from her.

Charlotte Beatty, User Experience Researcher

Nellie is creative, positive, and knows how to make work fun!

Farrah Brensinger, Senior User Experience Researcher

Nellie believes that everyone has something important to bring to the table. Despite leveraging our strengths, she makes sure to provide opportunities that stretch us. I love that Nellie is intentional about hearing from each team member on a regular basis, whether in a small 1:1 meeting or in a larger group setting. Her leadership helps me hone the things I already do well, and challenges me to develop skills in other areas.

Allison Caplovitz, Director, Content Research & Evaluation

Nellie is a smart, fearless leader who trusts the work of others. She values professional development and roots for everyone to succeed. AND, she knows how to have a good time!

Stefanie Cousins, Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Nellie has a leadership style that encourages the people who work for her to grow, develop, and become even better versions of themselves. She respects her staff and sees everyone’s potential. Nellie cares about our wellbeing and wants to make sure we are finding balance in our lives. Yes, she is a fantastic boss!

Heath Cozens, Director, Productions

The genuine care she has for the staff! And her hilariously black sense of humor 🙂

Tom Fuller, Vice President, Business Development

Nellie’s the best boss I have ever had. She’s fair and generous and works very hard.

Evelin Garcia, User Experience Researcher

I really enjoy working with Nellie. She actually cares about us as people and not just employees. She’s always asking how we are doing, encouraging us to take care of ourselves, and supporting our professional and personal growth. I think Nellie really prioritizes our wellbeing, which is really refreshing and hard to find in many professional spaces.







Sofia Polo, Director, Research Strategy




She has very chill vibes and believes in all her employees!


Amy Warren, Senior Child Development Researcher 


Nellie embodies the values that guide Fluent’s work and empowers us to do the same. Wellbeing, innovation, equity, and access are not just missions we advance, but are woven into the culture of Fluent, into the way we work, the way we relate to one another and to our clients, the way we evolve as a company. That is integrity in its highest form. That is Nellie.






Dan Warren, Director, Youth Development & Education


Nellie has taught me to be open to and listen for helpful advice, even when it stings a bit.




 



                                                    

                                
                            

                        					

				

			

		

		

                    		

			

									

						
					

								

					

						
29 Sep 

						

							Posted at 10:36h
							in Get to Know Us                            																														
													

						
At Fluent Research, we love to get lost in podcasts that educate, entertain, and help us connect with the world around us. In celebration of International Podcast Day, we asked some of our team to share the shows that have captured their hearts and minds!


The Daily Stoic – User Experience Researcher, Lia Abrams


The Daily Stoic is hosted by Ryan Holiday. He uploads every day of the week and provides a short lesson on stoicism, which is an ancient Greek philosophy centered around virtue, wisdom, temperance, and justice. He reads a short text from ancient works and then describes in modern-day terms how the lesson from the Stoics can be applied to everyday life. I find the podcast really informative and grounding! It’s a great way to begin the day.


Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang – User Experience Researcher, Charlotte Beatty


Every Wednesday, Las Culturistas delivers a perfect whimsical hour of discussion of all things pop culture. Hosted by two of my favorite comedians, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, the show tackles some of today’s most pressing questions, like which housewife from the RHONY cast is most iconic? And when ARE we getting music videos for Beyonce’s Renaissance album? They also interview a variety of wickedly talented guests, including people like Melanie Lynskey, Harvey Guillen, Michelle Yeoh, and MUNA to name some of my favorites. Most importantly, they host an annual Culture Awards show live at Lincoln Center, where finalists duke it out for awards like, “The Free Willy Award for Animal Achievement”, “Best Word to Scream”, and “Christina Aguilera Award for ‘It’s Just Good'”. If you are a nerd for all things movies, television, music, and pop culture, then this podcast is perfect for you. I love to listen to it at the end of a long day to unwind with some laughs!


Matter of Opinion – Director of Content Research and Evaluation, Allison Caplovitz




Matter of Opinion is hosted by New York Times opinion journalists, each with a different perspective on current events. I really like it because I am interested in political discussions and am often in a bubble of those who generally agree with my political views. It is really nice to hear various perspectives on news and information. It is particularly great in today’s society where people can disagree with respect.


How I Built This – Vice President of Marking and Communications, Stefanie Cousins


How I Built This features Guy Roz’s interviews with the person or people who have founded some of the world’s best-known brands. What I love most about this podcast is the fascinating paths, with surprising twists and turns, that have led them to develop their innovative ideas into fully-realized successful companies. I’ve been listening to these interviews since 2016, and the show continues to feature insightful stories. Some of my favorite episodes are the interviews with the founders of Spanx, Drybar, Patagonia, Southwest Airlines, Title Nine, Zappos, Khan Academy, Chicken Salad Chick, Angie’s List, Spin Master, Head Space, and Canva. They are all fascinating, so be sure to check out the library of episodes — at least one of them will surely catch your eye!


Office Ladies – Director of Research Strategy, Sofia Polo


I love The Office. I watch it constantly as I do chores around the house. Repeating it is such a comfort, especially during stressful times. The Office Ladies podcast goes through the series episode by episode with two of the starring actors providing commentary and the inside scoop on the making of each of the show’s episode. During lockdown, I binged this podcast constantly, especially when I was going on walks around the park. It was a great way to cope with the stresses of the pandemic. On my Spotify wrapped for 2020, it told me I listened to Office Ladies for 10 hours one day! Now I’m all caught up with the episodes but I still think it’s one of my all-time favorite podcasts.


Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – Senior Child Development Researcher, Amy Warren


Our 12-year-old daughter has long loved hearing stories about girls and women who have made herstory. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a perfect fit. We have cuddled around the book at night and listened to the podcast on the way to school in the morning. Some of our favorite stories come from the lives of Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, Maya Angelou, and Greta Thunberg. It is still our daughter’s (and our 9-year-old son’s!) go-to podcast. 


 

                                                    

                                
                            

                        					

				

			

		

		

                    		

			

									

						
					

								

					

						
27 Sep 

						

							Posted at 19:17h
							in Content, Get to Know Us, Kids, Qualitative Research, Research Camp                            																														
													

						
When I was younger, I used to read a lot! Books were my gateway to exploring the world. Due to my family’s financial constraints, vacations and other summer activities were not available to me. Instead, books became my window to new cultures, places, and experiences.


Along with the movie The Parent Trap, the book Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita sparked my interest in going to summer camp and the possibility of forming lifelong friendships while experiencing all that nature had to offer. Inspired by this book and the movie, I immediately began researching different summer camps in my area hoping to recreate the adventures I had read about. Having been to summer camp, my neighbor recommended YMCA Camp Woodstock located in Woodstock, CT, describing it as a magical place and an experience he never forgot. Hoping to have that same experience, I reached out to the camp director directly and asked how I could go to summer camp too. While there were some scholarships left to partially cover the cost of attendance, I would have to pay the rest myself. Undaunted, I made it my mission to advocate for myself to attend. I begged my parents to let me go, got straight As that quarter to show my parents my commitment, and put together a potential payment plan if I were to attend.


After tirelessly advocating for myself, I was accepted into YMCA Camp Woodstock’s Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program – a six-week experience for teens that changed my life. I made some amazing friends from all over the world including Spain, France, and Italy. I participated in fun activities like kayaking, camping, learning camp songs, and competing in dining hall chant battles. I loved it so much that I returned to camp the next summer, eager to relive the magic of summer camp.


This summer, when Fluent announced plans for a research camp, I found myself in a position to pay forward the life-changing experience I had gained all those years ago. In partnership with New England Base Camp, Fluent arranged for a group of mostly Latinx tweens to attend day camp for two weeks where they could take part in all the camp activities, as well as research-related activities, including activity sessions and focus groups. To alleviate some of the cost, Fluent offered summer camp scholarships to the research participants, which deeply resonated with me. I was so excited for the opportunity to help others have that same amazing summer experience I had when I was growing up.


Unfortunately, I quickly realized that Latinx families have major reservations about the idea of summer camp because they immediately think that their child will be sleeping there, which raises major concerns for them. Most don’t realize that there are also day camps where kids just go for a few hours a day. I had to work very hard to reassure them they would be safe and would not be sleeping there since it was a day camp. I served as the main point of contact for them and their children. Knowing that I also come from a Latinx background and speak Spanish fluently, they felt much more comfortable opening up to me. I met with them individually before they enrolled to answer any questions and for them to get to know me as well. Once the camp started, they knew they could call or text me at any time, easing their concerns and solidifying mutual trust.


The stories of three tween girls who had recently arrived from El Salvador especially resonated with me. To attend this camp each day, they needed to travel roundtrip from East Boston to Milton, MA, yet their mothers worked 10-hour days and had no way of picking up or dropping them off at camp. Because the mothers had wanted to provide opportunities for their girls to practice their English, assimilate into their new home, and make new friends, they found a friend for the girls to stay with so they could be closer to the camp. I appreciated that the moms were trying so hard to have their daughters attend summer camp. Their experience touched me and reminded me of all the advocating I had to do for myself to attend camp all those years ago.


As camp ended, it was clear that these three girls had been positively impacted by their camp experience and left a lasting impression on the lives of their fellow campers. Yes, they had formed new friendships, but they had also become a source of support for each other and an inspiration to the camp as a whole. The oldest girl, an 8th grader, took on the role of translating for the other two. Together they helped other campers and staff practice their Spanish-speaking skills, and educated everyone about Salvadoran culture.


From the outside looking in, Research Camp had such a tremendous impact on the lives of these girls and I think that was very special. Reflecting on the summer and watching the campers navigate the program reinforced the idea that camp has the potential to serve as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and cross-cultural understanding.


By User Experience Researcher, Evelin Garcia.

                                                    

                                
                            

                        					

				

			

		

		

                    		

			

									

						
					

								

					

						
24 Aug 

						

							Posted at 23:18h
							in Employee News, Get to Know Us                            																														
													

						
At Fluent, our four-legged friends are not just pets, but cherished members of our extended family. This National Dog Day, we’re thrilled to share the canine companions that bring joy, laughter, and love to Fluent’s employees. From a Jack Russell-beagle mix that loves lounging to an adopted Shih Tzu who is devoted to her owner, prepare to fall in love with the dogs of Fluent Research!    


 


Max, Age 13 – Owned by Lia Abrams, User Experience Researcher


Max is a little bundle of fun! He is a bichon poodle and weighs about 15 pounds, but don’t be fooled by his small stature. Max was an epic hiker in his prime, frequently going on 10+ mile hikes and leading his family along the path. Max scratches each family member’s door every morning to wake them up and greet them before moving on to the next. If you want to cuddle up with him, I recommend doing so in the morning when he is extra affectionate. By the evening time he can usually be found under his owners’ bed. 


 


 


 


Izzy, Age 13 – Owned by Natalia Belchikov, User Experience Researcher


Izzy is a sweet dog who loves lounging at home and luring people to give her food with her puppy eyes. She is a Jackabee (50% Jack Russell/50% beagle). Izzy’s relaxation time is very precious to her, she does not like to be moved or bothered when she gets comfortable. In fact, she is a notorious seat nabber; if you need to get up from your spot, don’t be surprised to see Izzy getting comfortable in it by the time you get back. One of her favorite activities is chasing after squirrels during a walk. She loves to make a scene, barking loudly and pulling on the leash so we can keep up! Be warned that she loves to show her affection with licks and by staring at you with adoring eyes. She has grown up with cats all her life, and though the cats can be a pain, she loves them too. 


 


 


Milo, Age 4 & Lily, Age 9 – Owned by Allison Caplovitz, Director, Content Research and Evaluation


Milo is active and friendly. He is my walking buddy and will happily walk 5 miles with me every day! He loves to get into food that he is not supposed to – and is often caught rummaging through the trash to find a tasty morsel.


Lily is my lap buddy and will cuddle any time she has the chance. You will often find her on my lap during long work days. Even though she only weighs 12 pounds, she will put her much larger brother, Milo, in his place if he makes a wrong move!


 


 


Lily, Age 7 – Owned by Stefanie Cousins, Vice President of Marketing and Communications


Meet Lily, a 9-pound Shih Tzu we adopted 18 months ago from my best friend’s mother who became too frail to care for her. Lily is 95% love and affection and 5% “don’t mess with me.” Lily’s full-time job is to keep her people company and make sure they feel her devotion, and she is a pro. She spends her days sleeping on my lap while I work, or curled up somewhere warm and soft waiting for the next recipient of her cuddles and licks. But don’t let our tiny, Ewok look-alike fool you. Lily has short bursts of energy when she fetches her toys like a retriever and plays sock tug-of-war like a bulldog. When Lily’s younger brother Mochi (a 1-year-old Russian Blue cat weighing in at 14 pounds) wants to play, Lily engages in fun-loving games until she’s had enough and charges at him with a growl that would force any kitty to slink away.


 


 


Elle, Age 5 – Owned by Paige Frankovich, Producer


Meet Elle, the ultimate mix of husky, pitbull, and German Shepherd craziness! She was adopted about a year ago after being surrendered by her previous owner at 2 1/2 years old. In the 6-8 months she was bouncing around in shelters, she had some sort of head trauma. She’s all healed now and her only side effect is having the cutest mismatched ears. Elle loves to play with her spiky ball, run around with her doggy friends, and eat any food that lands in her vicinity. She is loving her carefree new life!




 


 


Luna, Age 3 – Owned by Amber Gonzalez, Quantitative Researcher


Meet Luna, the ultimate lap dog with an adorable persuasion technique — puppy eyes! She knows just how to win you over and claim her spot on your lap. Luna loves making new friends- at just 6 pounds, she fearlessly befriends dogs over ten times her size. Her favorite hobbies include exploring dog-friendly spots in the city and snacking on yak chews and peanut butter.


 


 


Skylar, Age 5 – Babysat by Nellie Gregorian, Founder and President


I don’t have a dog (a childhood dream that still hasn’t been realized) but I babysit my friend’s dog, Skylar. Skylar is a pomsky and the coolest dog ever. She is very poised and carries herself with dignity. When other dogs approach her, she looks at them calmly but with an unmistakably superior attitude, like a grown-up looking at an impetuous kid. She is also stunningly beautiful, with eyes of different colors – one light brown and one cool blue. She loves me, and is always happy to come for a visit — my treating her with Russian cutlets might have something to do with it! 🙂


 


 


Lola, Age 5 – Owned by Kelly Sheehan, Senior User Experience Researcher


Meet Lola, a 5-year-old German Shepard mix. My husband and I adopted Lola in 2020 the day before the world shut from COVID. She does not like other dogs or people, but she gives us all her love every day. When she’s not barking at Amazon drivers, she loves tearing apart stuffies, chewing bones, and cuddling in bed with us. She’s taught me a lot about patience, loyalty, and empathy. We love her!


 

                                                    

                                
                            

                        					

				

			

		

		

                    		

			

									

						
					

								

					

						
13 Jun 

						

							Posted at 05:21h
							in Get to Know Us, Interns, Research                            																														
													

						
At Fluent, we have a deep commitment to uncovering and fostering emerging talent. This summer, we are thrilled to welcome three exceptional interns to our team. Learn more below about Emma Clarke, Halley Robbins, and Marko Stroumbakis – their backgrounds and plans for the future…


 


Emma Clarke


Emma Clarke is returning to Fluent Research as an intern for the second consecutive summer. Emma will continue assisting research teams with both qualitative and quantitative projects. In the past, Emma has found research concerning education and family relations to be the most rewarding. Her interest in this type of work stems from her previous experience as a volunteer and tutor for young children in high school.


Emma will be entering her final year of college as a psychology and cognitive studies major at Tulane University in the fall. Over the last three years she has helped conduct undergraduate academic research in social psychology and will continue to do so during her final year. After graduation, Emma hopes to pursue a graduate degree in social psychology.




 




Halley Robbins


Halley Robbins is a summer intern at Fluent Research. In her internship search, Halley was looking for a company where she could do quantitative data analysis for an organization whose mission strives to better the lives of others. Halley is excited to apply her experiences as a teacher’s assistant, president of a 60-person tutoring program, camp counselor, and more to add her unique voice to Fluent Research.


Halley grew up in New York City and is a rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis. She is majoring in economics and math with minors in psychology and computer science. After college, Halley is interested in going to graduate school for business or computer science. She is excited about working in her hometown and joining Fluent Research to put her data analytics skills into practice.




 


Marko Stroumbakis 


Marko Stroumbakis, who has been an invaluable intern at Fluent Research since June 2022, will be continuing his work at Fluent this summer. As an intern who has worked with everyone on the Fluent staff over the past year, Marko has gained a breadth of knowledge and experience in market research. Verifying both qualitative and quantitative data, working on survey testing, and translating subject responses from Spanish to English have all been valuable for his understanding of how data is used to inform insights.


Marko would like to gain more experience and knowledge in the field of marketing, with a particular emphasis on brand management. He will be a junior at Baruch College in New York City this fall.