Get to know us Tag

15 Jun

Posted at 19:18h in 20th Anniversary, Get to Know Us

Twenty years is a long time. Long enough to fill a lot of shelves, queue up a lot of podcasts, and dog-ear a lot of pages. As we mark Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we wanted to share something more personal than a milestone — the 20 books, magazines, and podcasts our team can’t stop talking about right now.

Think of this as our staff-curated summer list. Twenty recommendations. One for each year. Organized by genre, so you can find your way to whatever you’re in the mood for — a gripping thriller, a quiet literary novel, a podcast that makes a long walk fly by.

Here’s what we’re reading and listening to.

Fiction: Literary

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

This one stayed with me long after the last page. As I read, I kept thinking about two things: how others see us isn’t always how we see ourselves, shown through the recipients of Theo’s paintings — and how a person’s greatest legacy may be the quiet, lasting impact they leave on the hearts around them. I didn’t want it to end. The characters felt like part of my life while I was reading. Recommended by Allison Caplovitz

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

I started this after seeing it everywhere — best-of lists, bestseller charts, bookstore windows. It’s a family saga, a sub-genre I’m drawn to, centered on twin sisters from a fictional Louisiana town known for its light-skinned Black community. Themes of racial identity sit at the forefront, so I’m settling in for a serious read with a lot to think through. And I can already feel the two sisters drifting toward very different lives. Recommended by Farrah Brensinger

Fiction: Historical

Katherine by Anya Seton

A fictionalized account of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, set in 14th-century England. Katherine isn’t widely known today, yet the modern English monarchy descends from her, and she’s an ancestral grandmother to four U.S. presidents. So little of her life is documented that the author researched what she could and filled in the gaps — though many of the major events really happened. I love learning about these figures and doing my own digging as I read. Recommended by Paige Frankovich

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

This novel follows Cyrus Shams, a young, newly sober poet and the son of Iranian immigrants. His mother died in a plane crash when he was very young, and the story moves between Cyrus’s present and his parents’ pasts. Obsessed with martyrs, art, and family history, he travels to Brooklyn to meet a dying artist. Because both author and protagonist are poets, many chapters open with a poem. I love that variation — the poems let you reflect on the story from a new angle. Recommended by Lia Abrams

We Don’t Talk about Carol by Kristen L. Berry

Sydney Singleton, a former investigative journalist, discovers she had an aunt — one of six Black teenage girls who vanished in Raleigh, NC, in the 1960s. The cases were never solved, mostly forgotten, until Sydney begins a deep dive. The author blends historical fiction, mystery, and journalism, three of my favorite genres. She also brings to light the ongoing crisis of missing Black girls, and the systemic disparities in how their cases are treated, underreported, and unsolved. Recommended by Stefanie Cousins

Fiction: Mystery/Thriller

Verity by Colleen Hoover

I’m only a few chapters into this one (reading for a book club with friends) and I’m already completely gripped. The movie is coming out later this year, so we wanted to read it before seeing the film. Recommended by Mona El-Hout

A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear

I’ve been working my way through the Maisie Dobbs historical mystery series. I love the protagonist — her approach, her process, the careful way she solves a mystery. Recommended by Sylvia Rusnak

Fiction: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I just started this one. I’ve heard wonderful things about both the book and the upcoming movie, and I can’t wait to keep reading. Recommended by Kelly Sheehan

Non-Fiction: History/Biography

Banana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah Bananas by Jesse Cole & Don Yaeger

Anyone who’s seen the Savannah Bananas play knows they are pure fun. As I listen to this audiobook, I’m enjoying how the Bananas think creatively — keeping the true essence of baseball while making it more exciting, engaging, and entertaining. Their bold ideas and willingness to take risks have led to remarkable success, and it’s a joy to be along for the ride. Recommended by Mary Meyn

The Intelligence Explosion: When AI Beats Humans at Everything by James Barrat

I’m learning more about Artificial General Intelligence and superintelligence here than I ever did in a formal AI course. Barrat warns about the existential risks of advanced AI, making a compelling case that a recursive self-improvement loop could spiral into something uncontrollable. Despite some technical moments, it’s a genuine page-turner — fascinating, and occasionally a bit ominous. Recommended by Nellie Gregorian

Unplugged: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu by Tom Freston

Written by MTV’s co-founder, this memoir chronicles a wild, wonderfully unconventional life — hitchhiking across the globe, selling clothing in India and Afghanistan, then helping launch one of the most iconic cable networks of all time. What a life. It also brought back great memories of my early research career, working on projects for MTV, Nickelodeon, and other Viacom networks. Recommended by Nellie Gregorian

I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir by Keith McNally

“The Restaurateur Who Invented Downtown.” A candid, bestselling look at his legendary New York restaurants — Balthazar, Pastis, The Odeon — his health struggles, and his late-career reinvention as a viral Instagram personality. I probably spent a small fortune at McNally’s tables over the years. Zero regrets. Recommended by Nellie Gregorian

Non-Fiction: Self-Help/Wellness

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

I love hosting friends and family, and I’ve been on the library waitlist for this one for a month. The author writes about how to bring real intention and purpose to the way we gather. I can’t wait to dive in. Recommended by Aeliya Ahmed

The Natural Superwoman by Uzi Reiss, M.D. and Yfat Reiss Gendell

This is an accessible, science-backed guide to an often overlooked part of women’s health: the role of hormones in wellness and longevity. Women’s health — particularly in midlife and beyond — has long been understudied and underrepresented in research and clinical practice. I was drawn to it as a woman and as a researcher-practitioner focused on supporting women’s positive development across the lifecycle. Recommended by Amy Warren

Article/Periodical

The New Yorker — Multiple authors

I look forward to The New Yorker every week. There’s always a new topic to learn about and a short story to satisfy a fiction craving. And I can always count on the cartoons to put a smile on my face. Recommended by Dana Markow

Traces of Consciousness — Donald Hoffman, Chetan Prakash, and Manish Chattopadhyay

This paper presents a mathematical framework describing how an observer (a conscious agent) can perceive a larger, more complex system by focusing on only a limited subset of its states, effectively acting as an informational “window.”

It’s the latest development in Donald Hoffman’s groundbreaking work advancing the “case against reality”—the idea that the physical world is not fundamental, but rather a mental construct. At first glance it’s mind-blowingly far-out stuff, but its ambition is matched by its rigor and, in my admittedly limited understanding, the argument is remarkably convincing.

I give thanks every day for tools like NotebookLM, which help me make sense of dense material like this at my own pace. Recommended by Heath Cozens

Podcasts

Desert Island Discs — BBC

I love how the music choices create an anchor for a biographical conversation. There’s something revealing in what people choose to bring with them. And I’m always curious whether the people I admire would pick the same songs I would. Recommended by Dan Warren

Hardcore History: Blueprint for Armageddon — Dan Carlin

A deep, immersive dive into history that rewards your full attention. Dan Carlin has a way of making the past feel urgent and alive. Recommended by Sofia Polo

Blowback — Noah Kulwin & Brendan James

This podcast breaks down US interventionism — specific events, campaigns, battles, and their legacy. As the name suggests, there’s some anti-war perspective woven throughout. It’s a thoughtful way to understand how the past still shapes the present. Recommended by Sofia Polo

Prestige TV Podcast: “Widows Bay” Deep Dive — The Ringer

A recap series following Widows Bay, the new Apple TV drama. Perfect for anyone who wants to keep talking about a show long after the episode ends. Recommended by Sofia Polo

Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud — Bella Freud

Bella Freud interviews artists, musicians, and designers about their relationship to clothes, fashion, and art across their lives. I love hearing everyone’s different experiences — to me, nothing is more central to self-understanding and identity than how we choose to present ourselves. My favorite episodes are her conversations with Jonathan Anderson, Rosalía, FKA Twigs, and Lorde. Recommended by Charlotte Beatty

A list built by people, for people

What strikes me about this list isn’t its range, though the range is wide. It’s how much of each person shows up in their pick. A historical mystery solved by a beloved protagonist. A podcast that turns music into memory. A memoir that brings back an entire era of someone’s career.

That’s the work we do, really. We pay attention to what people choose, and why it matters to them.

So here’s our invitation as we celebrate twenty years: pick one. Start it this week. And if it stays with you — if it becomes the book you didn’t want to end, or the podcast you recommend to everyone you know — come tell us about it.

What would make your list?

By Stefanie Cousins, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

12 Mar

Posted at 12:50h in Get to Know Us

As we mark five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact continues to shape our lives in profound ways. From deepening our appreciation for healthcare workers to redefining how we connect with loved ones, the pandemic left a lasting imprint on both our personal and professional worlds. We asked our team to reflect on how their perspectives, routines, and priorities have evolved. Here’s what they had to say.

Farrah Brensinger, Senior User Experience Researcher

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly deepened my appreciation for healthcare workers, scientists, and epidemiologists. Hearing firsthand accounts, like my nurse friend describing the emergency room as a “war zone” in the early days, was truly staggering. One of my hopes coming out of the devastation of the pandemic is that more people are inspired to enter healthcare and medicine. However, these fields do require strong and resilient personalities, as it is such demanding work, and lots of familial, community, and financial support. We must as a nation find new ways to encourage and advocate for a strong, sustainable healthcare system that empowers the many people who keep it afloat.  

Allison Caplovitz, Director, Content Research and Evaluation

COVID changed the way I work and how I think about connection. I love that I can work from anywhere, but I’ve come to appreciate in-person interactions even more—there’s just no substitute for being in the same room with people. Watching my kids go through online school also gave me a window into what actually happens in the classroom. It made me realize how much learning isn’t just about sitting still and listening—it’s about doing, exploring, and engaging in ways that go beyond a screen or a lecture. More than anything, the past few years have reinforced how important it is to prioritize mental health, both for myself and for those around me.

Mona El-Hout, Quantitative Researcher

The pandemic had a huge impact on me in many different ways. Not only did I meet my now-husband during the lockdown, but learning to transition to fully remote work has been a quiet blessing in balancing my personal and professional lives. I also realized how unbelievably connected we are to the entire world thanks to the digital age we live in, and I now do a much better job staying in touch with friends and family in unique and entertaining ways. For example, my friends and I like to plan virtual arts & crafts dates to catch up with each other while also enjoying shared hobbies in our spare time!  

Mary Meyn, Research Director & Chief of Staff

The pandemic encouraged me to enjoy the outdoors all year round and start solo hiking. The winter weekends of the early pandemic felt so long and claustrophobic. Unable to see family and friends or go anywhere, I felt like every day was the same—like Groundhog Day . I needed to get out! I’ve always enjoyed hiking, but my kids were too young to hike very far, especially in the winter. I decided to make the leap and go out hiking on my own, even in the winter months. I spent time preparing, making sure to have maps, the right gear, and strategies to stay safe. I am now a confident solo hiker in all seasons. It is an amazing feeling to stride up an icy rock scramble with microspikes on my boots to see the view from the top!

Sofia Polo, Director of Research Strategy

The pandemic reshaped my perspective on connection and the importance of family. I now prioritize quality time, making family gatherings special, and staying consistently in touch with extended family members. Professionally, it accelerated my comfort with remote work and flexible schedules, demonstrating that productivity isn’t tied to a physical office. It’s left me with a stronger sense of resilience and a deeper appreciation for adaptability.

Kelly Sheehan, Senior User Experience Researcher

The pandemic made me a full-time remote worker, which I have been for several companies (including Fluent) since the start of the pandemic. Being a full-time remote worker allowed me to move closer to my family, spend more time with my spouse (who is also a remote worker), and be more productive at work AND at home. I love it! The pandemic also made me realize how quickly life can get turned upside down. I try hard to appreciate the small joys in every day!

07 Aug

Posted at 20:40h in Content, Get to Know Us

At Fluent Research, we believe that a good book has the power to inspire, educate, and transform. In honor of National Book Lovers Day, we asked our team to share what they’re reading right now and their thoughts on the content. From thoughtful novels to powerful nonfiction, their diverse tastes reflect a passion for life, learning, and laughter.

Aeliya Ahmed – Project Manager

  • Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
  • A friend of mine recently recommended this book to me and I’m enjoying it so far. It’s a book that’s written by a former student who goes on weekly visits to his old college professor, Morrie who’s dying from ALS. In their weekly talks, Morrie imparts gems of his end-of-life wisdom. I’m still making my way through all the lessons this book chronicles, but it has been a great reminder of what is truly important.

 

Charlotte Beatty – User Experience Researcher

  • Orlando by Virginia Woolf
  • Orlando is my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. As a big Virginia Woolf fan, I find Orlando to be the most playful, hopeful, and self-expressive novel in her body of work. The book exists as both a work of fiction and a surrealist autobiography of Woolf’s own life, identity, and relationships. The gender-bending, poetry-obsessed, effortlessly endearing Orlando lives for hundreds of years through different time periods, switching genders and lives overnight, and experiencing different political moments and social catalysts from different stratifications. The book is a snapshot of Woolf’s meditations on gender, politics, and power in conversation with the time period she was alive in, but her thoughts still feel relevant to the world we find ourselves in today, nearly a century later. The 1993 movie adaptation starring Tilda Swinton is equally moving and delightful.

 

Evelin Garcia – User Experience Researcher

  • Magic in Room 216: How One Teacher Came of Age and Inspired the Next Generation by Andee Nunn
  • The author of this book, Andee Nunn, was my English teacher in high school. At the time, I was having a very difficult time and living with so much uncertainty about the future. Mrs. Nunn was extremely supportive and did everything she could to help me go to college. To this day, she has been one of the most supportive teachers I’ve ever had and I am still in touch with her to this day. In this book, she talks about her experiences navigating education and recalls stories of the students who have made a lasting impression on her throughout her career. I highly recommend this book!

 

Mary Meyn – Research Director and Chief of Staff

  • Real Americans by Rachel Khong
  • I recently finished reading Real Americans, by Rachel Khong. A few years ago I read Khong’s 2017 novel called Goodbye, Vitamin and loved it. It was original, poignant, and beautifully written. So when I saw that Khong had a new novel coming out I knew I had to read it. Real Americans is a story of cross-generational family identity, as told from two perspectives. The two perspectives were radically different yet equally compelling and believable. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to those who enjoy fiction!

 

Kelly Sheehan – Senior User Experience Researcher

  • Funny Story by Emily Henry
  • Funny Story is a fictional story about a children’s librarian whose fiancé dumps her for his childhood best friend. She finds companionship in her fiancé’s new partner’s ex and soon begins to fall for him. Emily Henry only has a handful of books, and I was so excited about the release of this new one. She has a way of creating vivid and compelling characters whose storylines feel both understandable and novel. Her books feel like a complete escape from reality, and I love being pulled into her stories!

 

Amy Warren – Senior Child Development Researcher 

  • Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • I was drawn to this book for its blending of Indigenous knowledge and Western science. As a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer offers a unique perspective on our relationship with the Earth. She shares the wisdom and teachings of her ancestors, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity and gratitude towards the natural world. She delves into the intricate details of plant life, revealing the complex systems and relationships that sustain ecosystems. I love how she weaves together these two ways of knowing. I think it’s this sort of “mending of splits” — between Wisdom and Science, Humans and Nature — that is most needed now.

 

Dan Warren – Director of Youth Development & Education

11 Jun

Posted at 19:49h in Content, Get to Know Us

With its capacity to bring us knowledge, laughter, and new perspectives, social media can enrich our lives in countless ways. In this blog, our team shares their favorite accounts to follow. From thrilling outdoor adventures to insights into parenting with empathy, these accounts offer endless fun and inspiration. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

 

Lia Abrams: User Experience Researcher – Beli

Beli is an up-and-coming social media platform that allows you to search for restaurants in your area, save them to your wishlist, and rate them once you have dined there. You can see where your friends want to go and where they have been as well as what they ordered at each restaurant, how they rated it, and even pictures of their food. It’s the best way to find a great restaurant that’s been vetted by people you trust!

 

Aeliya Ahmed: Projet Manager – Ben Kielenski 

Ben makes TikTok videos that always open with “do you want to come on an adventure with?” He solo travels and does the coolest outdoor activities you could imagine – all the hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, diving, running in the world! I love watching him because his videos remind me of how much there is to see – and he inspired me to go on my three-month solo trip earlier this year!

 

Farrah Brensinger: Senior User Experience Researcher – The Pancake Princess 

The Pancake Princess (Erika Kwee) hosts “data-driven bake-offs,” where she tests trending Internet recipes and lets her squad of taste testers give their verdicts. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new carrot cake recipe, or if you simply MUST know how Smitten Kitchen’s lemon bar recipe stacks up against Tartine’s, the Pancake Princess is your go-to guru!

 

Mary Meyn: Chief of Staff and Director, Research – Born a Backpacker

One of my favorite accounts to follow is Born a Backpacker, the Instagram account of a family who share their travels around the United States and the world with their three young children. I love following their journey as a family doing everything from everyday things such as taking their kids to soccer practice to living on a boat for a week in Thailand. Nia, the woman who runs the account, is very down to earth and seemingly shows her family’s “real life.” It is the best of social media: an account that is inspiring, shares practical tips, and makes me feel connected to other people with similar interests.

 

Kelly Sheehan: Senior User Experience Researcher  – NurturedFirst

As a parent of a young child, I find NuturedFirst a super helpful account for tackling everyday challenges (like how to respond to tantrums) and more serious challenges (like body safety). The account owner (Jess) uses real world examples to demonstrate how to meet your child with deep empathy rather than focusing on the inconvenient behavior itself. I love this account because I feel like I walk away with more knowledge, more empathy, and greater appreciation for my child.

 

Amy Warren: Senior Child Development Researcher –  Darcia Narvaez

Darcia Narvaez is a central force within the paradigm shift BACK to humans’ original and “normal” cooperative orientation that begins within the human family. Simply, she is the Jane Goodall of humans, reminding us of our (human) needs, inner wisdom, and wellness-informed pathways to flourishing. Check out her educational outreach project, The Evolved Nest, to learn more! And be sure to explore #EvolvedNest #JaneGoodall #humanflourishing too!

 

 

 

07 Jun

Posted at 15:05h in Employee News, Get to Know Us

Meet Aeliya Ahmed Fluent’s new project manager! With over six years of experience in the non-profit, education, and healthcare sectors, Aeliya excels at streamlining processes and promoting informed decision-making. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, her journey includes supporting families at a crisis nursery and even teaching in NYC Public Schools through Americorps! We sat down with her to learn more about her background, approach to project management, and what excites her about her new role at Fluent.

1. Tell us a little about your background. What did you want to be when you were younger and what motivated you to pursue a career in project management?

When I was younger, I wanted to be an artist. I didn’t know what project management was until after I graduated college, and once I realized how detail-oriented the role could be, I decided it was the right fit! The perfectionism and attention to nitty-gritty details that project management involves feels like a close enough fit to an artist.

2. How do your experiences in the non-profit, education, and healthcare industries inform your approach to project management? 

Having worked with so many different people across different industries has certainly made me a better project manager. I’ve worked with energetic five-year-olds in classrooms, stressed attending surgeons in the ER, worried parents at community centers, and busy tech clients with crunched timelines. All of these experiences have made me comfortable working with and talking to anyone. Project management involves a lot of cross-functional collaboration, so that’s a skill I’ve been able to develop having worked in these different roles.

3. With your diverse background, what advice do you have for individuals looking to pursue a career in project management, especially those interested in working with children or in research?  

The best advice I have is to try as many different paths as you can. Working in the education, healthcare, and non-profit spaces has helped me realize what I didn’t enjoy working on — which is just as important as realizing what you do enjoy. If you have varying interests, I would say to test as many of them out as you can, and you’ll rack up immeasurable experiences along the way. Project management involves a lot of organizing and streamlining processes — having varied experiences can help you approach finding ways to improve those processes with a new lens!

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

I’m a serial hobby collector. This year, I’m getting back into figure skating. Last year’s focus was on learning how to surf, and next year’s goal is to learn kung fu!

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

I am super grateful to be working with such an awesome team. I’ve gotten to learn so much from my teammates in a short amount of time. I’m looking forward to streamlining some more of our processes, and ensuring that every project is a smooth operation.

Connect with Aeliya on LinkedIn!

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!

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. 


 

                                                    

                                
                            

                        					

				

			

		

		

                    		

			

									

						
					

								

					

						
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!