What is your role at ILLUME?
As the Technical Principal my goal is to ensure that ILLUME has the technical depth necessary to meet our clients’ needs in the immediate and long-term. This includes depth in qualitative and quantitative research design and methods, analytical techniques, systems, and software. I work with the team to keep up with industry best practices to apply those practices to the cutting-edge research ILLUME is doing with clients.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I grew up in Utica, NY. I moved to Madison for grad school and fell in love with the lakes, the small-city feel, the great restaurants, and good friends, so I stayed. If I move again, I would love to be near mountains.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
I am inspired by my colleagues who are all so incredibly talented that I learn from them every day. I’m also inspired by the challenges of the work and the hope that I am contributing, in a small way, to a better energy future.
Do you have any pets?
We have a 9 lb toy poodle mutt who is super sweet with all people big and small but is a bully to other dogs even if they are ten times his weight. We avoid dog parks.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy being outside in all seasons – biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, ice skating. I’m not an expert in any of these (just ask my kids about my downhill skiing) but I love getting out and being active just for the fun of it.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I’ve worked since high school and while I’ve had many jobs that were not glamorous, none of them were truly awful. One summer in college I worked full-time days in one campus library and nights in a different library. Primarily shelving books for 56 hours a week – I really had the Library of Congress catalog system nailed.
What is the best concert you ever attended?
Several years ago, a local radio station held a contest to win tickets to see Sting in Madison. My husband re-wrote lyrics from one of Sting’s songs to include many Madison references. He won the contest and we had first row seats.
What is your superpower?
Perspective – keeping things in perspective; putting things in perspective, understanding others’ perspectives, broadening my own perspective.
If you could have chosen another career path, what would you be doing?
Urban Planning or National Park Ranger.
