Cognitive Science · UX Research · Product

Lauren Thompson

Penn State Cognitive Science senior (Dec 2026, 3.99 GPA) with award-winning cognitive psychology research and hands-on UX and UI design coursework. Combines experimental design and data analysis with brand, content, and digital media experience.

Seeking entry-level UX research or product roles · Available January 2027

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About

Lauren is a Cognitive Science senior at The Pennsylvania State University (University Park) with a 3.99 GPA and five consecutive Dean’s List semesters. Her work sits at the intersection of experimental research and design practice—spanning cognitive psychology studies, UX and UI coursework, and hands-on brand and digital media experience.

She is seeking entry-level UX research or product roles and is available January 2027.

Research

Cognitive Psychology Research Assistant

Penn State University · Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

  • Designed and ran an independent study on how AI documentation tools affect memory formation; analyzed results and authored the written findings
  • Investigated proactive interference in memory retention and recall using experimental methods; synthesized findings for academic presentation
  • Earned First Place at the Penn State Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Fair (2025)

Experience

Digital Media & Content Creation Intern

Camp Skylemar · Summer 2026

  • Produced brand storytelling and recruitment marketing content that grew engagement across Instagram and web (Penn State practicum, LA 495)
  • Built a cohesive visual identity across Instagram and the website; created staff-recruitment content highlighting culture and leadership

Marketing & Content Associate

Conscious Cravings (CONCR) · 2023 – 2025

  • Managed social media presence and content strategy across multiple platforms for a vegan food business
  • Designed brand materials including product labels, logos, and promotional graphics

Server / Bartender

Buffalo Wild Wings · 2025 – Present

  • Deliver customer-facing service in a high-volume setting; resolve complaints and process POS transactions with 100% accuracy

Video Editor & QA Tester

500 Rockets Marketing · Summer 2021

  • Produced interview videos in Adobe Premiere Pro and documented website defects through systematic testing

Education

Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science

The Pennsylvania State University · University Park, PA · Expected December 2026

GPA 3.99 / 4.0

  • Dean’s List, five consecutive semesters (Fall 2024 – Spring 2026)
  • Open Doors, Summer Success, and Kuhner Renaissance Scholarships

Relevant coursework

User Experience · User Interface Design · Visualizing Information · Visual Cognition · Cognitive Psychology · Research Methods · Graphic Design · Ethics and Technology · New Venture Creation

Skills

Design & Media

  • Figma
  • Canva
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Wix
  • Graphic design
  • Brand development
  • Content strategy

Research & Analysis

  • Experimental design
  • Data analysis
  • Usability and cognitive research methods
  • Academic writing
  • Excel
  • Google Sheets

Leadership

Founding Member and #1-Ranked Player

Penn State Altoona Women’s Golf · 2022 – 2024

Helped establish the campus’s first women’s golf team; prior varsity captain and 2022 state champion (Anderson High School).

Golf awards related to Lauren Thompson’s golf leadership
Golf leadership — Anderson High School / varsity background supporting Penn State Altoona Women’s Golf

Construction & Production Crew

Scare for a Cure · 2023

Built 3 haunted house rooms and tested electrical systems for a 25-room experience; managed crowd flow during productions benefiting Breast Cancer Resource Center.

THON Committee Member

Penn State · Fall 2025 – Present

Snowboard Club

Penn State · Fall 2025 – Present

Fundraising Coordinator

Light the Night, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society · 2016 – 2019

Raised $16,000 over three years via corporate partnerships and an employee-matching strategy that doubled annual fundraising; ran donor events with 50+ participants.

Awards

  • First Place, Penn State Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Fair (2025)
  • President’s Freshman Award
  • Discover Award
  • ACF Visionary Scholarship Nominee
  • Congressional Award, Silver Certificate
Congressional Award Silver Certificate
Congressional Award, Silver Certificate

Contact

Available January 2027 for entry-level UX research or product roles.

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