Amanda Brush, PhD

Research & Design Portfolio

Hello there,
I am a researcher passionate about collaboratively designing
and executing end-to-end research that helps solve common
and unique problems.

I have PhD in political science and chose this path because

of its methodological bent also to understand how humans
build systems of shared governance. I pivoted away from
academic industries several years ago because of my desire
to collaborate in research that was more practical,
actionable, and accessible.

I now work as an applied mixed-methods researcher, using

qualitative and quantitative methods to help understand and
improve how people interact with the world around them.
Throughout my work, strive to produce research that is
rigorous, ethical, empathetic, and inclusive.
 Mixed Methods Research
I choose the methods based on the research question,
goal of the research, budgetary and time considerations.
Here are some of the methods I’ve used in previous
projects
• Participatory-based research
• Surveys
• Focus groups
• Usability tests
• Demographic analysis
• IDIs
• Crosstabulation analysis
• Environmental/Landscape Scans
• Comparative analysis
Case Study I
What are critical needs of diverse LGBTQ+ elders?
Project Overview
In 2021, I joined Service and Advocacy for LGBTQ+
Elders (SAGE), as a postdoctoral research fellow. I
collaborated with cross-functional teams at SAGE conduct
research about LGBTQ+ populations aged 50+ diverse in
race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender
identity/experience.

The research I conducted had two goals:

• To gather intersectional data about LGBTQ+ older adults
• To translate data findings into technical resources that
SAGE and allied stakeholders could use in service and
advocacy of LGBTQ+ older adults
Research Methods
Landscape Scan
• Recruited, facilitated and analyzed 4 focus groups and 30
IDIs with key stakeholders. Conducted content analysis
200 multidisciplinary peer reviewed articles .

Survey Analysis
• Designed and deployed 250 online and in-person surveys
to clients across 5 NYC SAGE Centers. Analyzed results
to build a profile of clients and understand experiences
with SAGE products.

Comparative Statistical Analysis

• Managed, cleaned, and analyzed Census Household Pulse
Survey data (533,179 observations) to produce a
nationally representative intersectional analysis of
LGBTQ+ older adults.
Key Insights
• Experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults differ
significantly according to race, ethnicity, sexual
orientation and gender identity
• By taking a culturally sensitive approach to research,
organizations can better understand the unique
experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults and
advocate for them more effectively.
• Inclusivity and cultural competency are key to the
research process and to ensuring that the needs of
all members of the LGBTQ+ community are met in
a meaningful and equitable way.
Case Study II
Towards a Just and Equitable Central Coast
Project overview
I served as a researcher on a regional equity study about
California’s Central Coast region. This was collaborative
project conducted by teams from The Fund for Santa
Barbara (FUND), Equity Research Institute, and the Blum
Center.

The research I conducted had two goals:

• To understand regional equity and local issues from an on
the ground standpoint
• To design research community members, regional
stakeholders, and policymakers would use a regional
equity study in their work
Research Methods
Participatory-based research
• Designed, facilitated, and analyzed qualitative
research findings from 16 focus and 30 IDIs
to gather stories about regional equity in
Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Survey design + analysis
• Developed, deployed and analyzed data from
130 surveys; analyzed data to develop
stakeholder personas and build a profile of
stakeholder product needs
Key Insights
• Identification of six common themes related to regional
equity highlights the important challenges that need to be
addressed in order to create a more just and equitable
Central Coast..
• By using focus groups and IDIs, I was able to gather
valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of
community members, stakeholders, and leaders which
informed quantitative data collection and analysis
• The common love of the region and shared vision for the
future is a bonding mechanism for those on the Central
Coast is also a positive finding and suggests there’s a
strong foundation for collaboration enabling regional
equity.
Case Study III
Enhancing Experiential Learning of NOVA’s Polar Extremes
Project overview
Just before the pandemic, I joined a research team
consulting for NOVA/PBS about the needs and
behaviors of users engaging with digital learning
products. The first part research was conducted in person
but had to shift to online data collection.

The research I conducted had three goals :

• What are the attitudes and behaviors of kids aged 11-
14 engaging with NOVA/PBS products?
• What are the attitudes of young adults aged 18-22
engaging with NOVA/PBS products?
• What are the similarities and differences of attitudes
towards products by age cohort?
Research Methods
Focus group analysis
• Managed qualitative research analysis of four
focus groups with 51 participants to
understand experiential learning outcomes of
K-12 children interacting with NOVA/PBS
programming.
Survey design + analysis
• Designed and deployed 250 online surveys
for viewers 18-22. Analyzed responses to
evaluate the effectiveness of visual and digital
education.
Key Insights

• The film and a lab both support informal

science learning, but the film slightly more
effective in promoting interest and engagement.
• Younger participants tended to express fear and
dread when learning about climate science, while
older participants were inspired by learning
about climate science.
• Girls + young women were less likely to
envision themselves in science careers compared
to boys + young men research participants
Thank you!

Thank you for reviewing my portfolio! I took the

photos for this presentation during long walks at
Hendry’s Beach in Santa Barbara.

If you have any questions or would like to chat, I

hope you reach out to me
amandabrush@gmail.com