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Sarah Leiter

@sarahleiter

User researcher at StoryFile who analyzed thousands of AI conversational interactions to uncover friction points and improve user engagement.

United States

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At StoryFile, I analyzed thousands of interactions with AI-powered conversational technology to identify behavioral patterns and friction points. I translated those findings into product and content recommendations to improve conversational design and user engagement.

At the University of New Mexico, I partnered with an instructional design team to investigate engagement and retention barriers in an online course. Redesigning the course structure with user feedback and research contributed to a 15% retention improvement sustained over four semesters, and I received UNM's Foundational Course Design Review Award.

My research has also included ethnographic work across 2,000+ cases at the Jewish Federation of New Mexico and qualitative research at UPenn's Katz Center. Across education, AI-powered products, and community services, I use interviews, ethnography, and analysis to turn people's experiences into practical recommendations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Adjunct Assistant Professor / Instructor of Record

Current

University of New Mexico

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 8 months)

Partnered with instructional design team to diagnose engagement and retention barriers in a 60–100 student online course; combined user feedback with evidence-based research to redesign course structure, producing a 15% retention improvement sustained over four semesters. Facilitated workshops and discussions probing identity, technology, and communication needs across highly diverse student popul

Instructional Design User Research Qualitative Analysis Workshop Facilitation Course Design Retention Analysis

Faculty Fellow

UPenn, Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies

Jan 2025 - Dec 2026 (1 year 11 months)

Led independent qualitative research (ethnography, 1:1 interviews, thematic analysis) on cultural identity and social behavior. Partnered with quantitative researchers on a criminal-legal-system study, contributing qualitative methods to inform practitioner-facing recommendations.

Ethnographic Studies Qualitative Research Thematic Analysis Interviewing Cross disciplinary Collaboration

Content Specialist

StoryFile

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022 (11 months)

Analyzed thousands of user interactions with AI-powered conversational technology to identify behavioral patterns and friction points. Synthesized findings into actionable product and content recommendations, partnering with cross-functional teams to improve conversational design and user engagement.

User Research Qualitative Analysis AI Conversational Design Cross Functional Collaboration Stakeholder Communication

Community Outreach Coordinator

Jewish Federation of New Mexico

Jan 2018 - Dec 2022 (4 years 11 months)

Conducted ethnographic research across 2,000+ cases to identify recurring pain points and barriers in a complex, high-stakes application process for individuals from 40+ countries. Designed and implemented an internal knowledge-management system based on research findings, improving operational efficiency and case-handling consistency.

Ethnographic Research Qualitative Analysis Knowledge Management Process Improvement Cross Cultural Communication

Content Developer & Linguist

Alelo, Inc.

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 11 months)

Conducted user-centered research and SME interviews to inform development of educational technology products for adult language learners. Contributed research-driven design input to interdisciplinary product teams.

User Research SME Interviews Edtech Content Development Linguistics