Crista Wathen
PROFILE
Researcher and Project Manager with experience delivering data-driven insights that inform decisions. Skilled in combining qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand user needs, evaluate solutions, and guide product development. Experienced in working with cross-functional teams in agile environments, translating complex findings into actionable recommendations. Strong background in stakeholder communication, research design, and structured problem-solving.
Core Competencies
· User interviews · Research design & analysis · Combining Qualitative and quantitative research and insights · Defining metrics· User segmentation · Insight synthesis and storytelling · Translating user needs into requirements · Cross-functional collaboration · Agile/Scrum · Stakeholder alignment · SQL · Python · Machine learning for behavioral analysis
EXPERIENCE
June 2024 – PRESENT
Postdoctoral Researcher, Stockholm University
- Designed and conducted qualitative and quantitative research studies to investigate past behaviors
- Collected, analyzed, and synthesized data to generate actionable insights
- Translated research findings into structured outputs and recommendations for stakeholders
- Communicated insights to both technical and non-technical audiences through reports and presentations
- Managed project timelines, priorities, and risks across multiple concurrent research initiatives
- Led and supervised junior team members (Bachelor’s and Master’s students), coordinating project work, setting milestones, and ensuring timely and high-quality delivery
August 2023 – May 2024
Customer Success Manager/Project Manager, Aura Cloud AB
- Gathered and analyzed user requirements to inform product development and prioritization
- Collaborated with product managers and engineering teams to translate user needs into product features
- Evaluated user workflows and product functionality to support implementation and adoption
- Acted as a bridge between users and technical teams to ensure user needs were reflected in product decisions
- Managed stakeholder expectations, timelines, and delivery risks in a regulated financial environment
April 2018 – September 2022
PhD Researcher, Stockholm University
- Designed and executed research studies combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies
- Analyzed complex datasets to identify patterns in human behavior and decision-making
- Developed structured frameworks and documentation to support research clarity and reuse
- Communicated findings through academic publications, presentations, and stakeholder discussions
- Managed multiple concurrent research projects with full ownership of planning and execution
November 2015 – March 2018
Personal Banker, SunTrust (now Truist)
- • Analyzed customer financial behavior to identify needs and recommend tailored solutions
- • Provided data-informed insights to improve customer engagement and retention
- • Collaborated with internal teams to optimize customer experience and service delivery
October 2014 – September 2015
Research Analyst, University of Oxford
- • Cleaned data and analyzed data using statistical methods
- • Conducted data analysis using Microsoft Excel and R
- • Visualized data and created graphs using Microsoft Excel
- • Began creating a database to document specific peaks to identify materials
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeological Science
Stockholm University
Master of Science in Archaeological Science
University of Oxford
Bachelor of Arts in Economic Anthropology
University of Florida
CERTIFICATION
The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2022: Go from Zero to Hero
UDemy
Python Complete Masterclass for Beginners
UDemy
Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp
Udemy
Project Management Professional Certificate
Google