Case Study: Improving Graduate Onboarding at UNC-Charlotte
Overview: The UNC-Charlotte Graduate Center for Life and Learning identified a decline in engagement with its graduate onboarding website, leading to increased phone inquiries about information already available online. I was tasked with uncovering the reasons for this decline and providing actionable recommendations to improve the website’s usability and navigation.
Research Methods:
Designed and distributed a survey using Qualtrics, achieving a 20% response rate from ~1,600 respondents
Analyzed website clickstream data to identify high-traffic and low-engagement areas
Created a research plan incorporating methodological triangulation for robust findings
Key Findings:
Users struggled to find high-priority content, leading to unnecessary calls to the office
Frequently accessed information was buried under less relevant content
Recommendations:
Reorganized website navigation to prioritize high-traffic menu items based on user needs
Suggested removing redundant content and streamlining the site structure
Outcome: Stakeholders expressed gratitude for actionable insights, and the recommendations were intended to improve usability and reduce calls.
Selected Research Projects:
Patient-Specific 3D Models for Surgical Planning | Bioengineering Department, Clemson University
Overview: Conducted innovative research to support pre-operative planning by developing patient-specific 3D models. These models were designed to help surgeons visualize complex anatomical structures.
Team Collaboration: Worked as part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with engineers, medical professionals, and researchers to align project goals with practical applications.
Research Methods:
Analyzed 2D CT scans and created 3D-printed models using advanced imaging tools
Designed and implemented surveys to measure patient comprehension of 3D-printed medical models
Presented findings at the Biomedical Engineering Society Conference (2022), highlighting the improved understanding of patient conditions
Impact:
Demonstrated improved clarity for surgical planning, leading to better pre-operative outcomes
Garnered interest from medical professionals at a national conference
Retention of Black Students in Engineering | Sociology Department, Clemson University
Overview: Participated in a National Science Foundation-funded study aimed at understanding barriers to the retention of Black engineering students. This research sought to uncover systemic challenges and propose actionable solutions.
Research Methods:
Conducted qualitative coding of interview transcripts to identify recurring themes
Performed demographic analysis to highlight patterns affecting retention rates
Assisted in drafting recommendations based on student feedback and data trends
Impact:
Contributed to the development of targeted support programs for minority students in STEM fields
Findings presented to university committees to inform policy decisions
Engineering Characteristics of Butterfly Proboscis | Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University
Overview: Investigated the bioengineering characteristics of butterfly proboscises to inspire microfluidic device prototypes. This project bridged biological observations with engineering design.
Research Methods:
Collected and analyzed data on proboscis mechanics and fluid uptake
Developed bioinspired microfluidic designs based on data findings
Presented research at the SICB DVM Conference (2019), receiving recognition for innovative applications
Impact:
Contributed to the field of bioinspired engineering by providing new insights into fluid dynamics
Supported future development of efficient microfluidic devices