I am a mixed-methods researcher with 7+ years of experience in examining human learning processes, determined to create better learning and user experiences for people all over the world. My work experience spans the education, technology, and healthcare spaces and has a unifying theme of designing and evaluating research questions by understanding the research objectives and relevant context.

I obtained a PhD in Cognitive Psychology and a MS in Statistics and Data Science from Northwestern University in March 2024. I worked with infants and children to investigate the cognitive mechanisms that underlie human learning processes. I conduct human participant research with infants, children, and adults predominantly using experimental design and methods. My research has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, Current Opinions in Behavioral Sciences, and Frontiers in Psychology. I have also presented my research in several international conferences including those hosted by the Cognitive Science Society, Cognitive Development Society, Society for Research in Child Development, and Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science.

Recommendations

  • "On three separate occasions, we've brought her in to expand work first started by others, and she's found ways to elevate each project. She takes the time to really listen to research objectives and relevant context to understand what we're trying to learn or accomplish and finds the right method - qualitative or quantitative - to address these objectives and deliver new insights. She's thought of ways to address research questions that have stumped even the most skilled analyst on my team."

    Lisa Hurwitz
    Director of Impact Research, Newsela

  • “She hopped into research plans at all stages, whether the project was already underway or still in the works, and executed her tasks efficiently. She is a strong mixed-methods researcher, supporting quantitative and qualitative research designs and data to synthesize the results, identify pain points, and produce actionable client recommendations.”

    Rachel Schechter
    Founder, Learning Experience Design (LXD) Research

  • “Apoorva is a hard worker who produces meaningful results and then packages them in an easy-to-understand presentation or report. She had no problem picking up new statistical techniques to enhance her analyses.”

    Kayleigh Ryherd
    Lead Research Analyst, Newsela

  • “ I was awarded the opportunity to win a grant from Northwestern's research office and asked Apoorva if she would act as my mentor in writing my application. Apoorva took personal time from other projects to ensure my success by sitting down with me multiple times to brainstorm, organize, edit, and discuss the grant writing process. Through her exceptional communication and astounding patience, I became a grant recipient. Her mentorship during that project was truly exemplary."

    Rachel Epstein
    Undergraduate Research Assistant, Northwestern University

  • "Apoorva's strengths include attention to detail and follow-through, in addition to her brilliance and thoughtfulness as a researcher. I could rely on Apoorva as a trusted thought partner on everything from RCTP course logistics to our research study design and data analysis."

    Kiki Zissimopoulos
    Assistant Professor of Instruction & RCTP Instruction Coordinator, Northwestern University