Zuri Smith is a mixed-methods researcher studying how digital environments shape society.

She is currently a Member Experience Researcher at the United Nations FCU.

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The principles that guide me:

Balancing curiosity with critical awareness.

Collaborating across disciplines to tackle complex challenges.

Continuously examining how my own biases shape the research I do – regardless of method.

How I practice my principles:

Computational Social Science

I use computational methods to make sense of systems-level challenges. This includes statistical analysis and data-simulation in R, qualitative comparative analysis, and social network analysis.

  • Project can be found here.

    Research project conducted as a graduate student, developing a theoretical and practical understanding of how QCA can be used to evaluate systems. Received a grade of 80% (U.S. equivalent of an A+)

  • Project can be found here.

    Research project conducted as a graduate student using agent-based simulations to evaluate pairing outcomes. Adapted the Gale-Shapley model to assess digital dating behavior and developed a novel algorithm to model in-person dating behavior. Received a grade of 70% (U.S. equivalent of an A)

Qualitative Research

I am committed to producing qualitative research that is reflexive, contextually-rich, and well-documented. This includes writing and analyzing in-depth interview questions, surveys, competitive analyses, and social listening analysis.

  • Project can be found here.

    Independent dissertation research conducted as a graduate student. Received a grade of distinction (U.S. equivalent of an A).

  • Project can be found here.

    Research project conducted as an undergraduate research assistant, using mixed-methods to examine effects of diversity in media on self-perceptions.

Quantitative Analysis

Using quantitative methods, I test theory-driven hypotheses and measure behavior to deliver data-driven results. This includes designing and analyzing surveys using R and Excel and uncovering trends building Tableau queries.

  • Project can be found here.

    Research project conducted as an undergraduate research assistant, using mixed-methods to examine effects of diversity in media on self perceptions

Research and strategy for:

Airbnb

Google CS First

Doctors Without Borders

Human Rights Watch

Mercy Corps

Stony Brook University

American Jewish World Service

Shea Moisture

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Ballot Nav

Amnesty International

Public Wise

United Nations Federal Credit Union

Airbnb • Google CS First • Doctors Without Borders • Human Rights Watch • Mercy Corps • Stony Brook University • American Jewish World Service • Shea Moisture • Brigham and Women's Hospital • Ballot Nav • Amnesty International • Public Wise • United Nations Federal Credit Union •