Maria Perez

About Me
I am a quantitative researcher with a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Southern California and an M.S. in Applied Economics and Econometrics. My work sits at the intersection of user behavior, data science, and product innovation, leveraging methodologies such as large-scale surveys, experimentation, A/B testing, focus groups, text analytics, predictive modeling, multilevel regression with post-stratification (MRP), time-series analysis, and causal inference to drive evidence-based decision making.
Currently, I work as a Senior UX Researcher, leading research programs that inform AI-driven product development and business strategy. My expertise spans AI experiences, synthetic user generation, behavioral modeling, and large-scale user research. I partner closely with product, engineering, and data science teams to translate complex user and market signals into actionable insights, helping organizations build user-centered products and accelerate innovation. I have a strong track record of establishing scalable research practices, running rapid research cycles, and influencing high-impact product decisions through rigorous quantitative and qualitative evidence.
Before transitioning into UX research, I worked in public affairs, strategic communications, and market intelligence consulting, advising global organizations across the technology, pharmaceutical, financial services, investment, and luxury retail sectors.
This multidisciplinary background enables me to combine analytical rigor with strategic thinking, helping teams understand not only how users behave, but why they behave that way—and how emerging technologies, including AI, can create meaningful value for people and businesses.