Laura K. Hildebrand
Lead People & Culture Research Scientist
10+ Years of Quantitative & Qualitative Research Experience
Lead People & Culture Research Scientist
10+ Years of Quantitative & Qualitative Research Experience
My name is Laura Hildebrand, and I'm currently a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at The Ohio State University (OSU). I completed my PhD at Purdue University in 2022. I have additional certificates in Advanced Statistics, Instructional Excellence, and Multilevel Modeling.
I am a behavioral scientist with 10+ years of experience using quantitative and qualitative research (e.g., surveys, experiments, focus groups, data analysis) to understand people’s attitudes, motivations, and behavior. As a skilled speaker and writer, I delight in translating complex findings into tangible outcomes and actionable recommendations for a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
Designed, executed, and analyzed combined 45+ surveys, experiments, interviews, and focus groups investigating attitudes, motivation, and behavior
Conducted basic (e.g., maxdiff, conjoint, ANOVA, t-test, regression) and complex (e.g., predictive and structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, latent growth curve) analyses
Structured, organized, and prepared large datasets for independent & team analyses
Led 30+ junior scientists on improving survey design, collecting/analyzing data, and writing reports
Secured $450,000+ in grant funding to examine intergroup- and identity-based conflicts
Recognized by 15 awards and 21+ invited talks for science communication skills
Authored slide decks, executive summaries, white papers, & case studies, featuring data visualization & non-technical writing
Delivered evidence-based talks, workshops, & training sessions that fostered engagement, satisfaction, & well-being
Consulted on data-driven strategies for improving company culture and reputation across a variety of fields (e.g., management, STEM, educational)
Advised committees on applying behavioral science research to real-world settings
Developed and led large-scale, data-driven, strategic programs, implemented among 7,000+ people
Increased engagement with diverse groups by 5%
Boosted performance by 10%
Translated complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations for a variety of audiences and stakeholders
Created compelling client-facing materials for marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility & client engagement
Recommended action decisions for 25+ product submissions as a subject matter expert
I draw on the scientific study of prejudice reduction, conflict resolution, and positive intergroup relations to examine causes of and resolution strategies for intergroup- and identity-based conflicts. Under this unifying theme, I have two research lines examining (1) difficult conversations about bias (e.g., confrontation) and (2) subtle, often ironic factors that influence reactions to and outcomes of organizational inclusion cues (e.g., initiatives, policies).
I use an interdisciplinary (i.e., prejudice reduction, identity management, organizational behavior, close relationships, motivation), multimethod (i.e., field studies, archival data, experiments, interventions, statistical modeling), and multilevel (i.e., interpersonal, organizational) approach. By using this approach, my research both contributes to existing theory and offers practical recommendations for real-world environments .
"Kiddo, Sweetie, & Other Terms of Endearment: Unmasking 'Endearment' & its Impact on Respect." Wait. Hold Up...What? Podcast by Eliminate Girl Hate, 2024.
"The Dilution of Diversity: Ironic effects of Broadening Diversity.” Duckcast Podcast, 2023.
“Want to Call out Someone for Bias but Fear Negative Reactions? Trust Helps.” Kudos Showcase, 2023.
“Honey, Sweetie, Dear: More than Mere Niceties in the Workplace." Character and Context Blog, 2022.
“#67: Confronting Prejudice.” Andy Lutrell's Opinion Science Podcast, 2022.