Evan Straka-Rojas UX Researcher
Uncovering behavioral insights that drive product strategy and lead to measurable improvements for products used by millions.
4+ Years
UX Research Experience
Stakeholder interviews conducted for website redesigns
Survey participants in national research studies
Average improvement in product metrics through research insights
About
Professional Summary
Mixed-methods UX researcher with 4+ years of experience conducting remote research, including 3.5 years consulting for clients in consumer tech, government, and enterprise products used by millions of people.
Areas of Expertise
My Approach
I uncover behavioral insights that drive product strategy, leading to measurable product improvements. My mixed-methods approach combines qualitative depth with quantitative validation to deliver actionable recommendations.
4+ Years Experience
Conducting user research for diverse industries and clients
Bilingual
Fluent in English and Spanish to conduct global research
Industry Experience
Consumer tech, government, finance, and enterprise products
Experience
UX Researcher
ICF Next
September 2022 - April 2025
- Led iterative usability testing for SAMHSA (HHS) dashboard, improving user task success by 20%
- Conducted 15 stakeholder interviews for Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH) website redesign
- Received ICF Copper Award for creating heuristic evaluation template for eCQI (HHS) website
- Designed and analyzed a national meta survey for National Cancer Institute with 10,000 participants
- Reviewed 1,000+ open-ended feedback comments on ClinicalTrials.gov
UX Researcher
Nihilent
December 2021 - August 2022
- Drove competitor benchmarking and concept validation for MLS soccer team mobile app
- Delivered user onboarding recommendations based on behavioral insight synthesis
Product Researcher
MiBolsillo
April 2021 - November 2021
- Conducted mixed-methods research such as contextual inquiry and usability testing
- Partnered with engineering and product teams to map onboarding journey
Business Analyst & UX Professional
Freddie Mac
December 2017 - September 2021
- Facilitated Requirements gathering across multiple stakeholders
- Conducted ad-hoc user testing to align project management tool with user workflows
Financial Analyst
Wells Fargo
October 2016 - November 2017
- Delivered Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) investor reports
- Collaborated with controllers to ensure data accuracy
Projects
Featured projects that showcase my UX research expertise and measurable impact on product development.
SAMHSA Dashboard Redesign
Led iterative usability testing for SAMHSA (HHS) dashboard, improving user task success by 20%.
NIH Website Redesign
Conducted 15 stakeholder interviews for Office of Dietary Supplements website redesign.
MLS Soccer Team App
Drove competitor benchmarking and concept validation for MLS soccer team mobile app.
Financial Planning App
Conducted mixed-methods research to validate MVP concepts for a financial planning app in Latin America.
NCI National Meta Survey
Designed and analyzed a national survey with 10,000 participants, improving survey completion rate by 15%.
ClinicalTrials.gov Feedback
Reviewed 1,000+ feedback comments and conducted thematic analysis to inform product roadmap.
Skills
My expertise in UX research methodologies and tools allows me to uncover meaningful insights that drive product improvements.
Research Methods
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Tools & Software
Qualtrics
Dovetail
Optimal Workshop
Google Analytics
UserTesting
Figma
Balsamiq
Mural
Excel
Languages
English
Native
Spanish
Fluent
Certifications
Continuous learning has been essential to my professional development. Below are the certifications and specialized coursework I've completed to enhance my UX research expertise.
Professional Development
Specialized training in UX research, analytics, and behavioral design to deliver data-driven insights for better products.
AI for Everyone
Coursera
Foundational understanding of AI concepts, applications, and implications for business and product strategy.
Google Analytics Certificate
Google Digital Academy
Advanced proficiency in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting digital analytics data to inform product decisions.
UX Certification
Nielsen Norman Group
Comprehensive training in UX methodologies, research techniques, and best practices from industry leaders.
Behavioral Design Bootcamp
Irrational Labs
Specialized training in applying behavioral economics principles to product design and user research.
Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
IBM
Framework and methodologies for applying design thinking principles to enterprise-scale challenges.
Behavioral Economics & Intermediate Statistics
Harvard Extension School
Advanced coursework in applying behavioral economics principles and statistical analysis to research.
Education
My educational background combines business analytics, international relations, and Latin American studies, providing a unique multidisciplinary perspective to my research approach.
Academic Foundation
A strong academic background that combines analytical skills, international perspective, and research methodologies.
MS in Commerce — Business Analytics
University of Virginia — McIntire School of Commerce
Specialized in advanced business analytics, focusing on data-driven decision making and statistical analysis methods.
Key Coursework:
- Advanced Business Analytics
- Marketing Analytics
- Data Visualization & Communication
- Statistical Analysis & Modeling
- Business Research Methods
BA in International Relations & Latin American Studies
College of William & Mary
Double major combining international relations theory with specialized focus on Latin American culture, politics, and economics.
Key Coursework:
- International Relations Theory
- Latin American Politics & Economics
- Research Methods in Social Sciences
- Spanish Language & Cultural Studies
- International Development
Study Abroad: Semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina focused on regional economic development and policy.
How My Education Informs My Work
Data-Driven Insights
My business analytics training enables me to extract meaningful insights from complex research data and translate them into actionable recommendations.
Cross-Cultural Perspective
My international relations background helps me understand diverse user needs across different markets and cultural contexts.
Research Methodologies
My multidisciplinary education equipped me with diverse research approaches that I apply to complex UX research challenges.
Contact
Let's connect to discuss how my UX research expertise can help uncover meaningful insights for your product or organization.
Evan Straka-Rojas
UX Researcher
Get In Touch
Photo by Brooke Lark