From Classroom Frustrations to User-Centered Solutions
I'm a Research Specialist with a unique foundation: 20 years studying how people learn combined with rigorous training in behavioral science and UX research methods.
My journey into UX research didn't start in a conference room—it started in front of ninth-graders struggling with poorly designed educational software.
The Moment That Changed Everything
I'll never forget watching my students struggle with poorly designed educational software- clicking seven times just to reach a single page in their digital textbook, getting stuck with no guidance on how to move forward. That's when it hit me: if we're building technology for learning, why are we making it so hard to learn WITH?
These weren't isolated incidents. They were symptoms of a larger problem across all industries: products built without truly understanding the people who use them. I knew something had to change, and I wanted to be on the inside solving these problems through research.
So I made the leap from classroom to research- and discovered my superpower: I understand what it's like to be the end user struggling with a tool that doesn't work. Whether it's a teacher trying to manage 30 students, a construction engineer tracking equipment, or a customer navigating a checkout flow—I bring that same empathy and insight to every research project.
My Journey: Teacher to Researcher
Teaching Years (2012-2021) I spent nearly a decade in education, teaching 6th-12th grade students at Ombudsman Educational Services and developing readers at Benson High School in Omaha. Before that, I substituted taught across all grade levels and abilities for years—an experience that taught me to adapt quickly and meet learners where they are.
The Transition (2020-2021) In March 2020, right as COVID hit, I enrolled in Flatiron School's UX Design bootcamp. By October 2021, I transitioned out of the classroom to become a UX Researcher at LovelySkin, marking the beginning of my professional research career.
Professional Research (2021-2024) I spent the next three years conducting user research across diverse industries—from e-commerce at LovelySkin to construction technology at Kiewit, where I led research that projected millions in annual savings through process optimization. In 2023, I earned my UX Research Specialist certification from Nielsen Norman Group.
Full Circle (2024-Present): After a workforce reduction at Kiewit in November 2024, I returned to substitute teaching and tutoring for Dojo Tutor to pay the bills. But my goal has never wavered: to find a research role where I can apply my unique blend of teaching experience and research expertise to create experiences that truly work for the people using them—whether that's students navigating learning platforms, professionals optimizing workflows, or customers making important decisions.
I'm currently conducting an independent research study on teacher dashboard needs in K-12 EdTech while co-founding ChronoQuest, an award-winning history education platform. I'm actively seeking UX Research, Customer Experience Research, or Voice of Customer roles where research drives real decisions, and user needs shape product strategy.
What Makes My Approach Different
I Bring An Educator's Lens to Every Project
The classroom taught me to understand pressures, constraints, and the creative workarounds people develop when tools don't work. Whether it's a teacher managing 30 students, a construction engineer tracking equipment, or a customer navigating a complex workflow- I recognize the patterns of frustration and identify where design can better support real human needs.
Users Deserve A Voice- Especially Underserved Ones
My teaching background taught me that people—especially those with less power in the equation—deserve a voice in the products built for them. Whether it's students navigating learning platforms, frontline workers using enterprise software, or customers trying to solve a problem, I advocate for the users who too often get designed for instead of designed with.
Research as Collaboration
My students always taught me as much as I taught them. I approach research the same way—believing the best insights come from listening deeply, observing carefully, and creating space for users to show me what I might have missed. My research superpower? Contextual interviews where I dig into users' real workflows, pain points, and those brilliant workarounds that signal unmet needs.
But my favorite research moments? Watching a prototype test where someone's eyes light up and they say, "Yes! I can see how something like this can help me!" That's the goal—creating solutions users can actually see themselves using.
My Education & Credentials
Bachelor's Degree: Behavioral Science
Master's Degree: Reading Education & ESL
Nielsen Norman Group: UX Research Specialist Certification (2023)
This unique combination—understanding human behavior, literacy development, and rigorous research methodology—shapes how I approach every project. I see patterns others might miss and ask questions grounded in how people actually learn and work.
Beyond the Research
When I’m not interviewing users or analyzing data, you’ll find me:
📷 Capturing moments through photography
📚 Lost in a good book (always have one in progress)
🇫🇷 Maintaining my Duolingo streak in French (approaching two years—the owl is a relentless taskmaster with my 60-level score!)
🎵 Listening to eclectic music ranging from classic rock to Chopin
✈️ Dreaming of Paris, where I left my heart and hope to live someday, even if just for a while
I also give back through tutoring with Dojo Tutor and volunteering in children's ministry at my church, including our annual Night to Shine event.
Where I’m Headed
My goal is to become a Research Lead—whether in UX Research, Customer Experience, or Voice of Customer—where I can not only conduct impactful research but also mentor the next generation of researchers. I thrive in collaborative environments where teams share ideas openly, catch what others might miss, and value diverse perspectives. I believe the best research happens when everyone's voice is heard.
I'm currently juggling two exciting research initiatives:
Independent Research: Conducting a study on teacher dashboard needs in K-12 EdTech—exploring the gap between the data educators receive and the data they actually need to make instructional decisions. This builds on my enterprise dashboard research experience while bringing me back to my EdTech roots.
ChronoQuest: As co-founder of this pre-seed EdTech startup, I'm leading ongoing user research to validate and refine our award-winning history education platform. We're preparing for the EdStart Shark Tank while conducting research with students and teachers to ensure our product truly serves the needs of 6th-12th-grade learners and educators.
What I'm Exploring Now
Let’s Connect
I'm currently seeking opportunities in UX/CX/VoC where I can apply my unique blend of behavioral science expertise with research to create memorable experiences for customers and users.
Office hours are open—let's connect about research opportunities!
📍 Based in Plattsmouth, Nebraska (just outside Omaha, about an hour from Lincoln)
🔗 LinkedIn: MeloyCreative • Email • Portfolio
