14 Oct The Faces Behind Fluent: Lia Abrams
In celebration of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Senior User Experience Researcher Lia Abrams, whose Fluent story began as the company’s very first intern.
With a background spanning psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and children’s studies, Lia joined Fluent looking for a way to bring her interests together through research. Since then, her own role has evolved alongside the company. She began primarily as a qualitative researcher and, with encouragement from colleagues, expanded her expertise into quantitative research as well. Today, she manages projects across the research life cycle, from study design and participant interviews to analysis and reporting.
Get to know Lia in our latest Q&A, including what she’s learned about adapting research as client priorities change, how she keeps herself organized, the family tradition that keeps eight people connected across the country, and why you’ll often find her running through Central Park.
1. Lia, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?
I had just graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Psychology-Neuroscience-Philosophy and a minor in Children’s Studies, and I was eager to find a way to combine my interests. That led me to explore the children’s media space. A contact of mine with a long history at Sesame Workshop introduced me to Fluent, highlighting their deep expertise in kids and family research and their long-standing partnership with Sesame. After meeting with Nellie to learn more about the company, I knew right away it was the perfect fit for me.
2. What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I am a Senior User Experience Researcher. I typically manage two to four projects at a time, usually across different phases of the research life cycle—from design and data collection to analysis and reporting. A typical day involves syncing with internal teams to align on progress, as well as meeting with clients to share updates, stay aligned, and adapt to evolving project goals. I also block off dedicated focus time to design research instruments, analyze data, and build reports. When we’re in active data collection, you’ll find me spending most of my day moderating participant interviews or reviewing diary entries as they roll in!
3. How has Fluent evolved since you joined?
When I started as Fluent’s very first intern, there were about 11 full-time employees. Today, we have a formalized summer internship program that has welcomed many individuals after me, and our team has grown to nearly 25 full-time employees! Seeing people join with such diverse backgrounds and expertise has made our company culture and capabilities even richer over time.
4. What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?
Sometimes the “north star” shifts! Projects usually start with a clear main objective, but in a fast-moving environment, priorities can evolve along the way. I’ve learned how important it is to maintain open communication with our clients so we can pivot when needed. Ensuring we’re always asking the right questions guarantees our final findings deliver the strongest possible impact.
5. What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent, Lia?
The flexibility and encouragement to try new things. I originally joined as a qualitative researcher with very little background in quantitative methods, but seeing our quant work sparked my curiosity. Even though I wasn’t formally on that team, leadership supported me in jumping onto quantitative projects and building those skills. Now, with the ongoing support of my colleagues, I manage quantitative projects myself. I really appreciate that there are no rigid silos here and that growth is genuinely nurtured.
6. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I grew up on the East Coast, went to college in the Midwest, and while I was in school, my immediate family relocated to California! Because of that, I have strong ties and connections all across the country—though it makes it almost impossible to pick a favorite coast!
7. What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?
I love The Bossticks podcast (formerly The Skinny Confidential). They bring on an incredible variety of guests and aren’t afraid to dive into diverse perspectives. I’ve learned so much about fascinating, niche topics I never would have discovered otherwise!
8. What’s your go-to productivity hack?
Write EVERYTHING down! Even if you think you’ll remember something, taking it out of your head and putting it on paper (or in an app) takes a ton of pressure off your brain. To keep it all organized, I’ve used a task manager called Sunsama for years to manage both my work and personal life. I use it to set recurring reminders and keep everything on track. I can proudly say I’ve never fallen victim to a forgotten free trial or surprise recurring subscription because of it!
9. Lia, if you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?
I have a few different answers to this, but I likely would have pursued a career in social work, nutrition, or something in the personal wellness and fitness space.
10. What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?
It’s such a huge milestone! It’s inspiring to see the company continuously grow and evolve as new talent joins the team. Reaching 20 years speaks volumes about the strong, lasting relationships Fluent builds with clients who trust us and return to partner with us year after year
11. How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?
I think Fluent is a critical force in the safe and effective development of new human-centered technology and I hope we continue to expand that role across the design landscape, particularly in relation to product trust and safety.
12. What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?
Hardworking. I have never met a group of people more dedicated to putting in the extra effort to produce exceptional quality. This isn’t a place where people take shortcuts; everyone deeply cares about the work they deliver, and it shows in the final product. Being surrounded by that level of dedication inspires me every day to maintain that high standard in my own work.
13. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Connecting with friends and family who live far away. I often spend my evenings catching up over phone or video calls. Every Monday night, my immediate family of eight hosts a Zoom call we call the “Virtual Family Room.” It’s made a massive difference in keeping us close, even while living on opposite sides of the country.
14. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I just returned from a trip to Portugal, which made me even more eager to explore more of Europe! Next on my bucket list are the Nordic countries and the South of France. Anywhere with bright, clear blue water is definitely calling my name.
15. What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?
I’m a big fan of seltzer or functional soda alternatives—Spindrift, Swoon, and Poppi are my top choices! I’m not super picky about flavors and love trying out whatever new option I can find.
16. What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work, Lia?
I love to run! As a New York Road Runners (NYRR) member, I regularly run races throughout the year, with the highlight being the NYC Marathon. I’m super lucky to live right next to Central Park, so my favorite running route is right outside my front door.