profile picture

Eli S

- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Columbia University

Expertise

Behavioral Economics, Marketing, Decision Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Judgment and Decision Making, Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Consumption, Consumer Behavior, Prosocial Behavior

Bio

I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I stayed to complete my undergraduate studies in Psychology and Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan. I spent much of my time as a wilderness field guide (leading backcountry expeditions) and working with a few friends to create and grow a business fraternity that is still thriving today! After graduating, I moved to Park City, Utah, where I skied, camped, hiked, climbed, biked, and worked at a technology company called Qualtrics (a small startup that just went public, worth over $27 billion), helping academics and corporations conduct high-quality marketing research. After a quick stint in Washington DC, I spent a few years at a small non-profit where I served as a researcher/field guide/therapist, using wilderness expeditions as an intervention for at-risk youth/teens in the Chicago area. I am now a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, where I study both the behavioral dimensions of climate change and the real-world policy application of behavioral science.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Persuasion for Good

How can we leverage the best and most impactful research from the realm of behavioral science to help make the world a better place? You will learn about the science of persuasion, nudging, and decision-making, as we create and test a brand new campaign designed to help make the world a better place. Examples include nudging consumers to make more environmentally friendly decisions, encouraging people to better support good causes, and helping to create a more equitable and just society. Have an idea to make the world a better place? Let's explore it together and see if we can make your idea a reality!

Invention and Innovation (Build a Business)

Interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, or invention? Have a great product idea that you want to make a reality? Let's explore! Students will learn how to develop new businesses and harness the power of research to grow a start-up.

Coding skills

R, R Studio, Qualtrics, Microsoft Suite

Teaching experience

Throughout my academic journey, I gained valuable teaching experience in diverse settings. As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, I led dynamic and interactive course discussion sections, enhancing student learning. In my doctoral studies at Columbia University, I have served as a Teaching Assistant for MBA courses, providing comprehensive support and mentorship to students. Beyond formal classrooms, I dedicated significant time to working with at-risk teenagers, focusing on problem-solving and communication skills. This experience honed my ability to meet each student where they are at, tailoring my approach for personalized support that facilitates individual growth and intellectual development.

Credentials

Work experience

Qualtrics (2016 - 2018)
Senior Account Executive & Federal Lead, Research
Chicago Voyagers (2018 - 2020)
Program Lead & Director of Research

Education

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
BA Bachelor of Arts (2016)
Psychology and Entrepreneurship
Columbia University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Behavioral Science

Interested in working with expert mentors like Eli?

Apply now