30 Sep The Faces Behind Fluent: Sylvia Rusnak
In celebration of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Senior Researcher Sylvia Rusnak,
Sylvia’s connection to Fluent began during her time at Sesame Workshop, where she regularly collaborated with our team. She joined Fluent to continue conducting research that helps improve the media environment for children and families. For Sylvia, a highlight is hearing directly from children about games and shows in development and helping shape experiences that support their learning and wellbeing.
Get to know Sylvia in our latest staff profile, including her thoughtful approach to writing, the books she returns to again and again, and the walks with her dog, Charlie, that bookend her days.
1. Sylvia, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?
I worked at Sesame Workshop prior to joining Fluent, and at Sesame I often worked with the Fluent team. I joined Fluent hoping to continue a similar type of work, conducting research that ultimately helps to improve the media environment for children and families.
2. What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?
I love working on PBS Kids projects. It’s so fun to see kids’ reactions and ask them for their opinions on a game or show that is in development. It also feels great to be involved in building something that is good for kids, when so much of the media and tech landscape otherwise favors engagement and profit at the cost of wellbeing and learning.
3. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I have read the Harry Potter books so many times that the specific number of times is a fact that I don’t even know.
4. What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?
I enjoy listening to The Wellness Scoop podcast. So much of health is over-complicated, but this podcast brings it back to the basics that actually matter and make a difference to our overall wellbeing.
5. What’s your go-to productivity hack?
This isn’t necessarily a hack, but writing a first draft with the mindset that it can be “good enough” rather than “perfect.” Writing has always been important to me. It’s a way to process information and make connections, and I think it’s important to preserve that act when we analyze data and communicate research findings.
6. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day, Sylvia?
Taking a walk with my dog, Charlie. It’s how I start my day, as well.