Lara Southard

• Led the end-to-end research and analytics behind Pearson’s external thought leadership report on AI study tools, demonstrating how generative AI features shifted learners from passive reading to active study behaviors and informing product strategy.

• Lead advanced analytics and experimentation initiatives for AI-enabled learning products, translating behavioral data into product and strategy d

• Rebuilt A/B testing infrastructure using a fully Bayesian framework in R, replacing legacy experimentation workflows with a scalable decision system.

• Designed automated daily model pipelines with dynamic priors, convergence diagnostics, and continuous performance monitoring.

• Developed probability-based decision tools estimating likelihood each variant would win, enabling faster and more co

• Built automated data pipelines powering R Shiny dashboards for sleep research and operational decision-making.

• Managed and analyzed sensitive health and behavioral datasets, ensuring data integrity, privacy, and reporting accuracy.

• Conducted statistical analyses to evaluate study outcomes, user behavior patterns, and research hypotheses.

• Advised stakeholders on research design, measurem

• Promoted after leading high-impact analytics initiatives across Pearson’s higher education portfolio.

• Built predictive models, customer segmentation frameworks, and automated reporting pipelines supporting retention, marketing, and product strategy.

• Applied machine learning and statistical methods to improve learner engagement and business decision-making.

• Led a multi-disciplinary analytics team delivering 30+ projects spanning NLP, retention modeling, survey analytics, and institutional research.

• Increased completed project throughput by 200% through intake redesign, Agile workflows, hiring, and operating standards.

• Built predictive models and matching systems on 1M+ student records, identifying strategies that improved retention by 10%+.

Led a multi-disciplinary analytics team delivering 30+ projects spanning NLP, retention modeling, survey analytics, and institutional research. Increased project throughput by 200% through intake redesign and Agile workflows, built predictive models on 1M+ student records, and re-established Institutional Review Board governance for federal compliance.

Managed data science and research efforts at Salt Lake Community College supporting analytics and research initiatives. Worked across research, data analysis, and reporting using statistical and machine learning methods.

Supported statistical research and data science work for Salt Lake Community College, including analytics related to surveys and research reporting. Applied statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to data-driven initiatives.

• Conducted advanced quantitative research using SEM, psychometrics, longitudinal modeling, and large behavioral datasets, resulting in publications.

• Managed and mentored research teams, contributing to publications, conference presentations, and graduate development.

• Delivered high-performing university instruction to classes of up to 200 students.

Project Title:
A cross-sequential study of shifting social support as a stress mediator during major life transitions among young adult women

Description:
Significant life transitions can create an environment of shifts in supportive social relationships and risk factors. Marking these shifts may result in predictive information regarding establishment, confirmation and recalibration of self-ide

Served as co-principal investigator and lab supervisor for the Meredith Emerging Adulthood Longitudinal Studies. Contributed to longitudinal research projects focused on stress mediation and social support during major life transitions among young adult women.

Courses include: 200-Level Statistics in Psychology and 300-Level Research Methods. Duties of the positions include: presentations, lecturer for 300 level course, APA format and research writing, proposal writing, tutor

An evaluation of the potential phototoxicity of CeO2 nanoparticles in retinal pigment epithelial cells in-vitro:
• Analyzed nanoparticle data and spectral recordings of retina activity with various models include regression in SAS
• Developed and executed molecular protocols for autonomous research project examining the potential phototoxicity of cerium dioxide (CeO2) engineered nanoparticles (EMN

Conducted laboratory and data analysis research focused on potential phototoxicity of CeO2 nanoparticles in retinal pigment epithelial cells and the effects of gestational ethanol exposure on sensory function in rats. Performed data analysis using regression and GLM approaches, and presented findings at national conferences.

• Received the Interdisciplinary, Translational, & Innovative Research Award at Graduate School Showcase

• Received scholarship funding from the Legacy of the Wishing Chair ($1,800)

• Graduated with Honors, Magna cum Laude
• Received the Women of the Year Award Top 30 in the Nation by the NCAA for excellence in academics and athletics
• Funded through the Honors Scholarship ($5,825/semester) and Research Faculty-Student Partnership Grant ($2,500)