Laura K. Hildebrand
Presidential Postdoctoral Scholar
10+ Years of Quantitative & Qualitative Research Experience
Presidential Postdoctoral Scholar
10+ Years of Quantitative & Qualitative Research Experience
Welcome!
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.
Highlights
Research Experience: Behavioral Science & People Analytics
Designed, executed, and analyzed combined total of 45+ new surveys and experiments investigating attitudes, motivation, and behavior
Conducted basic and complex (e.g., regression, structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, latent growth curve, LLM) 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
Authored 11 scientific reports using data visualization, analysis, & technical/non-technical writing examining people's attitudes & behaviors, particularly in organizations
Subject Matter Expert:
Culture & Inclusion
Delivered evidence-based talks, workshops, & training sessions that fostered positive workplace culture
Consulted on data-driven strategies for improving company culture and employee attitudes across a variety of fields (e.g., management, STEM, educational)
Advised university committees on applying culture- and diversity-related research to real-world educational settings
Developed and led large-scale, data-driven, strategic interventions, implemented among 7,000+ people
Increased comfort with interacting with diverse groups by 5%
Boosted academic performance by 10%
Translated complex findings into clear, data-driven recommendations for audiences up to 230
Created compelling client-facing materials for marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility & client engagement
Research Interests
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 .
Media Coverage
"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.