CHRISTA MAHLOBO, Ph.d., ryt-200
Research Scientist | University of Pennsylvania
Solomon Labs
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Business: cmahlobo@sas.upenn.edu | Personal: christamahlobo@gmail.com
Expertise
Research and analysis expertise for leading mixed-methods research projects using R to analyze behavioral data and usability studies, translating research findings into actionable product strategies that improved user engagement, as evidenced by 21 successful projects
8 years of experience working with cross-functional teams and experience developing and executing end-to-end user research projects employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to drive actionable insights for project development, as evidenced by 9 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 1 in Tourism Management
Ability to work professionally with leading minds in the industry using Qualtrics and Miro to conduct user surveys, user interviews, and focus groups, and synthesize customer insights into compelling narratives for stakeholders
Skills
Experimental design, protocol development, project management, data collection, and data analysis
Trained in qualitative methods: surveys, usability testing
Trained in qualitative methods: focus groups, interviews
Proficient in various statistical and design programs including R, SPSS, Qualtrics, Prolific, Figma, Miro
Written and verbal communication
Field research studies
Stakeholder engagement
Education
Ph.D., Human Development and Family Studies
Dissertation: Examining Adolescent Precursors to Early Adult Flourishing in Black Americans: On the Role of Ethnic-Racial Socialization and Identity
M.S., Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management
Thesis: Interpersonal and Park-Based Discrimination as Predictors of Anxiety in Black and White Philadelphians
B.S., Kinesiology; Human Movement Science (Honors Degree)
Minors: Psychology, Chemistry
Honors Thesis: Effect of Aging and Peripheral Neuropathy on Standing and Reaching Precision With and Without Visual Cues
Work experience
Research Scientist, 2022-Present
The University of Pennsylvania, Positive Psychology
Humanities and Human Flourishing Lab
Services Consultant, 2021-Present
Travel Unity
NIDA T32 Pre-doctoral Research Fellow, 2010-2022
The Pennsylvania State University
Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center
Summer Research Intern, Summer 2020
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Social Determinants of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Lab-National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Research Assistant & Doctoral Candidate, 2017-2019
The Pennsylvania State University
Urban Parks and Community Health Lab
Principle Investigator & Summer Research Intern, Summer 2018
Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation (BREC)
STEM Trainer, 2014-2016
The Posse Foundation
Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2010-2013
Louisiana State University
Kinesiology Sensorimotor Lab