UX Researcher · Open to Contract & Full-Time Get in touch →

👋 Dawn Brookes — UX Researcher

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Dawn Brookes

User Experience Researcher · Qualitative & Mixed Methods

Remote  |  Open to Contract & Full-Time

dbrookes.db58@gmail.com

Professional Summary

User Experience Researcher with strong qualitative research experience and a background spanning academic research, EdTech, and digital products. Experienced in user interviews, usability-focused research, synthesis, and translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights. Brings a foundation in rigorous research ethics and cross-cultural collaboration to inform user-centered decisions.

Work Experience 🎯

Enhanced English — UX Researcher / Founder
2020 – 2025 · Lima, Peru · EdTech Platform
  • Conducted user research to understand learner goals, pain points, and motivation patterns across proficiency levels.
  • Synthesized qualitative feedback into insights that informed curriculum structure and learning pathways.
  • Iterated learning experiences using continuous feedback loops to improve clarity, engagement, and outcomes.
Marissa Romero LLC — Researcher & Strategist
2021 – 2025 · Remote
  • Conducted audience and user research to identify needs, behavioral patterns, and content gaps.
  • Analyzed qualitative and quantitative signals to inform strategy and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Huari–Ancash Archaeology Project — Field Supervisor
2015 – Present · Huari, Peru
  • Planned and conducted qualitative and observational research following rigorous academic and ethical standards.
  • Synthesized complex findings into structured reports for international audiences.
Mount Royal University — Academic Recruiter
2013 – 2018 · Calgary, Canada
  • Conducted one-on-one needs assessments supporting users navigating complex digital systems.
  • Identified usability and comprehension challenges in digital products.

Core Skills 🛠

Research MethodsUser interviews, usability testing, surveys, affinity mapping, thematic analysis
UX & ProductResearch planning, insight synthesis, personas, journey mapping, research reports
ToolsFigma, Miro / FigJam, Google Forms, Asana, Monday.com, Canva
LanguagesEnglish (Native) · French (Fluent) · Spanish (B2)

Education 🎓

UX Research & Design Certificate (In Progress)
University of Michigan, USA
UX Foundations · UX Research Methods · Additional courses in progress
M.A. Archaeology & Heritage
University of Leicester, UK
Graduated with Merit, 2024 · 3.7 GPA
B.A. Anthropology
Mount Royal University, Canada
Graduated 2016 · 3.0 GPA
View Portfolio Case Studies →

🗂 UXR Project Examples

Below you'll find examples of Dawn's research work — selected for the diversity of research methods, user experiences explored, and outcomes achieved. Full case studies available upon request.

📚 Learner Motivation Research

Understanding why learners engage — and why they stop.

📚 Learner Motivation Research @Enhanced English

Conducted in-depth user research with adult English learners across Latin America to understand motivation patterns, pain points, and learning goals. Findings directly shaped curriculum structure and learning pathways, improving clarity, engagement, and learner outcomes through continuous feedback loops.

USER INTERVIEWS THEMATIC ANALYSIS JOURNEY MAPPING AFFINITY MAPPING FEEDBACK LOOPS INSIGHT SYNTHESIS
📣 Audience & Content Research

Identifying gaps between content and audience needs.

📣 Audience Research & Content Gap Analysis @Marissa Romero LLC

Identified audience behavioral patterns and content gaps through qualitative and quantitative research signals. Analyzed data across channels and translated findings into prioritized strategic recommendations adopted across content and product teams.

AUDIENCE RESEARCH SURVEY ANALYSIS AFFINITY MAPPING QUANT + QUAL SIGNALS INSIGHT REPORTS STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS
🏺 Archaeological Field Research

Rigorous observational research in cross-cultural contexts.

🏺 Field Research & Synthesis @Huari–Ancash Archaeology Project

Planned and led qualitative and observational field research in Huari, Peru, following rigorous academic and ethical standards. Synthesized complex findings into structured reports and presentations delivered to international scholarly audiences. Ongoing since 2015.

OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH QUALITATIVE METHODS RESEARCH ETHICS SYNTHESIS & REPORTING CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION
🎓 Digital Onboarding Usability

Uncovering friction in complex digital application flows.

🎓 Digital Onboarding Usability @Mount Royal University

Conducted structured one-on-one needs assessments with prospective students navigating complex digital application systems. Identified usability and comprehension challenges in the onboarding flow, informing institutional UX improvements.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT USABILITY EVALUATION 1:1 INTERVIEWS PERSONAS COMPREHENSION TESTING
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