Academic Research
During my academic training, I gained experience working in museum archives, non-profit organizations, and successfully led multiple applied research projects.
Monetizing Fandom
Role: Lead Researcher
Question(s): How do fans use social media to monetize their hobbies?
Process: Long-term ethnographic study involving user interviews and
contextual inquiries with 100+ participants.
Deliverables: Dissertation submission leading to PhD, 2 dozen
conference presentations, multiple publications and video essays,
15 academic awards, including a Wenner-Gren Fieldwork Grant.
Digital Pedagogy
Role: Lead Researcher, copy editor, host, video editor
Question(s): How can educators make online learning more effective?
Process: Heuristic evaluation of multiple Learning Management
Systems, leading to content production and data analytics.
Deliverables: Scripted, edited, and published 200+ videos, generated
over 700,000 views worldwide, and reached monetization status.
Batson Guitar Company
Role: Lead Researcher, copy editor, host, video editor
Question(s): How do small-scale guitar manufacturers innovate in a
change-averse marketplace dominated by heritage brands and
traditional designs?
Process: Ethnography, user interviews, contextual inquiry.
Deliverables: Thesis submission leading to Master’s, 3 conference
presentations, 2 publications, multiple awards, and further research
for the Kentucky Historical Society and KY Arts Council.
Apprenticeship Program
Role: Qualitative researcher, moderator, and video editor
Question(s): What, if any, impact has the Kentucky Arts Council’s
Apprenticeship program had?
Process: User interviews with 16 program participants.
Deliverables: Mounted traveling museum exhibition, facilitated live
concerts, produced 50+ edited promotional videos.
