Amy Pierrson
Battersea,ON
Summary
Strategic researcher, professor, and designer with expertise in human-centred research, strategy, and design thinking. Passionate about translating evidence-based insights into actionable, impact-driven solutions, I specialize in co-creating, testing, and scaling innovative frameworks across public, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Skilled in qualitative and quantitative research, stakeholder engagement, and decision science, I bring a data-informed, adaptable, and creative approach to problem-solving.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
PROFESSOR & RESEARCHER
St. Lawrence College
12.2021 - Current
- Lead applied research projects in experience design, service innovation, and digital engagement.
- Design and execute research studies, including user interviews, usability testing, experimental design, and data analysis.
- Collaborate with nonprofits, government agencies, and corporate partners to develop scalable, evidence-based interventions.
- Oversee budgeting, project management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring successful execution of research initiatives.
- Mentor students and junior researchers, fostering cross-disciplinary learning.
- Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER
Union Gallery, Queen's University
11.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic oversight on accessibility, impact measurement, and participatory design for arts programming.
- Advise and consult on grants, ensuring sustainable funding for inclusive public engagement initiatives.
- Advise on technology and accessibility best practices in digital and physical experiences.
Engagement & Communication Consultant
Freelancer
04.2016 - 08.2022
- Designed and executed research to enhance strategic decision-making.
- Synthesized research insights into communications and digital solutions for public, nonprofit, and corporate clients.
- Developed decision frameworks and experimental designs to optimize user experience and stakeholder engagement.
- Led cross-functional collaborations with designers, data scientists, and business leaders to drive strategic outcomes.
- Developed comprehensive communication plans to support organizational objectives.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Gananoque Literary Festival
02.2013 - 11.2017
- Led strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder engagement for public-facing literary events.
- Conducted audience research to design interactive, high-impact engagement strategies.
- Managed funding acquisition, grant writing, and budget allocation to sustain long-term impact.
- Designed and implemented immersive audience experiences, speaker panels, and interactive workshops.
Education
MA - Digital Design & Communication
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
BA - Visual Design
CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
Diploma - Graphic Design
DARTT
Halifax, NCDiploma - Web Design & Development
KLC
Kingston, ONSkills
Strategic Foresight
Public Programming
Collaborative Leadership
Grant Writing
Critical thinking
Student mentoring
Course planning
Research and analysis
Data & Impact Measurement
Data collection and organization
Affiliations
- Design Research Society
- Registered Graphic Designers of Canada (RGD)
- Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE)
- Women in STEM - KEDCO, Kingston, ON
Grants
- NSERC Funding, Historical AR Experiences DBIA
- Heritage Canada & Arts Council Funding, Multiple successful grants for the Gananoque Literary Festival (2013-2017)
- Union Gallery - Queen's University, Supported grant applications securing local, regional, and national funding
- Internal Research Funding, St. Lawrence College
Awards
- Valedictorian, KLC
- Scholarship, Capilano University
- Dean's List, DARTT
- Dean's List, Capilano University
- Women in STEM, Kingston, ON
- Rotary Club, Gananoque, ON
Conferences
- Immersion & Impact - AXIS, St. Lawrence College
- Future Artifacts: Prototyping the World Ahead - Queen's University
- Women's History Project: History Unfinished - Online, National
- Civic Engagement with Newer Technologies - United Way Eastern ON
- Women's History Project: Writing Women Into History - Online, National
- 100+Me - Ottawa, ON
- Civic Engagement with Newer Technologies - Kingston Hospital Foundation
Timeline
VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER
Union Gallery, Queen's University
11.2022 - Current
PROFESSOR & RESEARCHER
St. Lawrence College
12.2021 - Current
Engagement & Communication Consultant
Freelancer
04.2016 - 08.2022
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Gananoque Literary Festival
02.2013 - 11.2017
MA - Digital Design & Communication
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
BA - Visual Design
CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
Diploma - Graphic Design
DARTT
Diploma - Web Design & Development
KLC
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