Bright Woman | Laura F. Bright, Ph.D.

OVERVIEW

Currently, I am lecturing at the undergraduate and graduate level at three Central Texas universities including UT Austin, Texas State University and St. Edward’s University. In the Fall of 2010, I will begin a new position as an assistant professor in the Division of Strategic Communication at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
Over 10 years’ experience in market research, website optimization, and client services. Extensive research background in consumer behavior, interactive marketing and advertising, new media environments (Social networks, Twitter, Web 2.0, etc.), primary and secondary market research, and usability and accessibility.
Dissertation focused on consumer choice and its impact on advertising perceptions in customized online environments. Published author of 5 articles, 3 book chapters, and 6 conference presentations.

Seedling Online / August 1996 – Present
Internet consultancy specializing in website development and maintenance as well as optimization efforts including search engine marketing and interactive advertising.
- Digital Media Consultant / Partner
  - Client relationship management for a roster of 15 clients, including contract acquisitions and negotiations, project tracking, and overall communications management
  - Content management for all websites using online content management systems as well as WordPress platform
  - Management of mailing list systems for 10+ clients resulting in increased event attendance and website visitations
  - Deployment of interactive marketing campaigns, including Google AdWords, search engine optimizations, Amazon affiliate programs, and email marketing
  - Experience with clients in a variety of industries including real estate, music, accounting, health care, non-profits, entertainment and environmental engineering
  - Responsible for acquisition of $150,000+ in client sales
  - Conducted usability testing to facilitate website improvements and redesigns

Media Research Labs, LLC / November 2008 – June 2009
Privately held market research facility that conducts consumer research on media effects. Data collection methods include biometrics, eye gaze, and surveys.
- Research Fellow
  - Creation and management of online consumer panel including recruitment of 2,000+ panel members via direct marketing efforts
  - Development and execution of survey instruments for all studies
  - Data integration via Excel and SPSS for all survey data
  - Contribution to research design and experimental protocols
  - Management of research assistant staff to ensure data integrity
  - Writing and editing of market research reports
  - Website maintenance
  - Secondary research analysis for report contributions
  - Completion of work in a fast paced, team focused environment

The University of Texas at Austin / January 2007 – May 2008
Instructor of record for undergraduate Advertising course entitled “Advertising on the Internet”.
- Instructor of Record
  - Responsible for creating and delivering 3 50-minute lectures to 100+ undergraduate students on a weekly basis (using PowerPoint and Keynote)
  - Development and execution of class assignments, projects, and exams
  - Created readings packet including topics related to interactive advertising, search engine optimization, web 2.0, social media, permission marketing, interface design and usability
  - Solely responsible for administering exams, grading course materials, and managing communications with students
  - Obtained access to 10+ guest speakers to deliver special topics lectures as well as facilitate networking opportunities for students
  - Held office hours on a weekly basis to assist students with assignments, resolve issues and clarify key points to be derived from the readings
  - Consistently received positive feedback on student evaluations

Texas Media Research Lab / January 2005 – August 2008
Research facility funded by a Ford Foundation grant and operated by Department of Advertising at UT. Lab is used to conduct primary research on media effects specifically related to advertising and interactive media.
- Consumer Panel Manager / Research Assistant
  - Managed 30,000 member consumer panel via Cold Fusion and MS Access configuration, including cleaning data, sampling, and demographic reporting
  - Responsible for all panel member communications including prize notifications and account information management
  - Administrated 20+ studies for the online panel resulting in over 40 publications and conference presentations
  - Conducted primary research in the lab environment including working on a research team to develop and execute experiments related to media effects
  - Teaching assistant duties for Advertising Research courses (grading, advising students, teaching labs, managing communications)
  - Wrote and submitted theory based research articles for academic conferences and journals

Texas Interactive Lab / August 2002 – May 2004
Research facility funded by The University Co-Op and operated by the Department of Advertising at UT. The lab serves as reference center that makes media-related research available to students as well as providing access to latest interactive advertising tools.
- Lab Manager
  - Responsible for creation of training materials for all media based software applications including MRI, Qualitap, SRDS, Scarborough, Redbooks, and Media Flight Plan
  - Managed communications with college technology team to insure smooth operation of all technical components of the lab
  - Worked with professors and students to effectively analyze secondary market research data
  - Developed assignments for professors related to specific software skills needed to complete course projects
  - Primary point of contact for all lab visitors including providing tutorial sessions and tours

SchoolPeople, Inc., / January 1999 – June 2001
Web-based educational management software company.
- Marketing Coordinator
  - Communicated product specifications to development team
  - Managed graphic design team for the creation of all marketing collateral, including corporate website, print advertising, and premier product line brochures
  - Managed marketing budget ($75K/year)
  - Coordinated attendance and/or presentations at national conferences for 9 salespeople
  - Trained and provided technical assistance for national accounts

References available upon request. All publications as well as affiliations are listed on my curriculum vitae: http://brightwoman.com/cv/.