Emily Dirks

Background

About Emily Dirks

I am a dedicated researcher with an interest in understanding consumer behavior, particularly at the intersection of technology and sports. My primary objective is to apply my extensive research and statistical skills to unearth actionable insights that can effectively address real-world problems. In terms of skills, I possess expertise in market research, computational methods, R programming, and IBM SPSS. Additionally, my proficiency extends to research design and review, quantitative research, predictive modeling, and the use of tools such as Qualtrics, SQL, and advanced data analysis. I am also adept at data visualization, social media analytics, public speaking, presentation, and have a strong command of Microsoft Excel and the Adobe Suite. In my professional journey, as a Market Research Consultant in my freelance capacity since January 2019, I have provided invaluable guidance to clients across diverse industries, conducting business intelligence analysis and devising comprehensive research strategies. My role involves leveraging statistical analysis and computational methods to organize large-scale data, identify trends, and synthesize insights. In my current position as a Project Manager at the Institute for Communication and Information Science Research in Tuscaloosa, AL since August 2022, I lead a team through all stages of research projects for clients such as NASCAR, Fox Sports, and the National Weather Service. I oversee project timelines, ensuring methodical integrity and aligning expectations, and actively engage in client communications throughout the research process. During my tenure as a Graduate Researcher at the same institute from August 2021 to August 2022, I contributed significantly to scope development, data analytics, and data visualization. Advising multiple researcher teams in proper methods of gathering and synthesizing primary and secondary data through quantitative research, I played a key role in the successful execution of proposed advertising campaigns. My educational background includes pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication and Information Science at the University of Alabama (expected completion in 2024, ABD status), an M.A. in Mass Communications from Texas Tech University (2021), and a B.A. in Public Relations with a concentration in Sports Communication from Texas Tech University (2019).