Open to opportunities

Emily Cao

@emilycao

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Cognitive science student specializing in computational research and program design.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek roles combining computational cognitive research and human-centered program design, with collaborative teams focused on accessibility, evidence-based impact, and opportunities for mentorship and cross-functional growth.

I am a UCLA cognitive science student with a specialization in computing, committed to rigorous, interdisciplinary research and practical program implementation. I have designed quasi-experimental and ethnographic studies, led a nationwide survey analysis in R, and produced grant-style proposals with IRB-style methodologies.

In parallel with my research, I drive operational impact: I redesigned a campus-wide transfer mentorship matching system, improved participant satisfaction by 30%, and streamlined administrative workflows for a driving school, improving scheduling efficiency and client satisfaction. I train and lead peers, collaborate cross-functionally, and present data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.

I bring technical proficiency in MATLAB and R, experience in quantitative and qualitative methods, and strengths in program design, evaluation, and process optimization. I seek roles where I can combine computational research, human-centered design, and project leadership to advance accessibility and evidence-based policy.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Mentorship Program Coordinator

Current

University of California, Los Angeles

Aug 2024 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Spearheaded redesign of a campus-wide transfer mentorship program for 15,000+ students, implemented a data-driven matching system, and improved mentee satisfaction by 30% through program evaluation and workshop partnerships.

Program Design Data Matching Survey Analysis Workshop Facilitation Leadership Training Évaluation

Current

Executive Administrative Assistant

Current

EZ Street Driving School

Jul 2021 - Present (4 years 4 months)

Streamlined scheduling and customer service for 100+ monthly clients, reducing overlaps by 60% and improving satisfaction by 40%; managed payroll and compliance for 12 instructors with 100% accuracy.

Scheduling Payroll Management Customer Service Google Workspace Process Improvement & Compliance Office Administration

Student Success Lead Mentor

Orange Coast College

Jun 2022 - Jun 2024 (2 years)

Coached 25+ underrepresented students to improve GPA by 0.2 points and increase course completion by 50%; designed and delivered workshops adopted by academic departments and trained peer mentors to boost engagement and retention.

Academic Coaching Program Evaluation Mentoring

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Science

Grade: 3.85/4.00

Activities and societies: Research projects on ADHD speech and neurocognitive communication; mentorship leadership at UCLA Transfer Student Center.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science with a Specialization in Computing, expected June 2026; coursework includes statistics with R, MATLAB programming, cognitive and developmental psychology, and behavioral neuroscience.

Orange Coast College (Concurrent Certificate)

Certificate, Legal Assistant & Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies

Completed Legal Assistant & Paralegal Studies Certificate (received July 2025) while concurrently enrolled at Orange Coast College.

Orange Coast College

Associate of Arts; Associate of Science, Liberal Studies / Interdisciplinary

Activities and societies: Phi Theta Kappa member; Psi Beta leadership and award recipient; campus leadership and mentoring roles.

Completed Associate of Arts and Associate of Science for Transfer (graduated May 2024) with multiple concentrations across liberal studies, education, humanities, social & behavioral sciences, math, and psychology.