UX Researcher with 3+ years of experience;
systems thinker; insight generator; people advocate.
Hi there! I'm Cynthia, a UX Researcher. Currently, I’m a Masters candidate at UC Berkeley studying Information Management and Systems with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction, graduating Spring 2025.
Prior to going back to school, I spent a few years in the research space as an Associate User Researcher at Salesforce, helping bring to life the integration between Salesforce and Slack post-acquisition. While I was in undergrad, I was a UX Research Intern at HBO Max, Salesforce, and UC Davis, where I got to understand problems of all shapes and sizes, for users from TV binge-watchers to Sales Reps.
I spent this past summer (Summer 2024) as a solo UX Researcher at Milliman, an actuarial consulting firm, establishing research processes there for the first time. While in school I also do UX contract work for FreeWorld, a nonprofit solving recidivism for those formerly incarcerated with technology-first means.
Outside of work, I like exploring coffee shops in the Bay, spending time outdoors, and sitting through Bay Area traffic with my favorite podcasts. Feel free to reach out at cynthia_chen@berkeley.edu!
Milliman, Summer 2024
UX Research Intern
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FreeWorld, 2024
Contracted Designer
UC Berkeley, 2024
Grad. Student Researcher
Salesforce, 2021 to 2023
Associate User Researcher
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HBO Max, Fall 2020
UX Research Intern
Salesforce, Summer 2020
Research & Insights Intern
Design Interactive, 2020
Co-Founder, Co-President
UC Davis DiPi, 2019 to 2021
Student Design Researcher
🧩 Comfortable with Complexity
After working in ambiguous, B2B spaces, I love the challenge of solving complex problems.
🌐 Systems Thinker
I consider the bigger picture and broader implications of research recommendations.
🧠 Data-Driven & Intentional Research
My technical & research background allows me to thrive with data, aiding in decision-making.
🔍 Still Curious? Here's how I work.
My top 5 StrengthsFinder strengths are: Intellection, Discipline, Achiever,
University of California, Berkeley
2023 — 2025 / Masters of Science, Information Management & Systems
University of California, Davis
2017 — 2021 / Bachelors of Science, Cognitive Science (minor in Computer Science)
Graduate TA, Lean Agile Product Management (INFO 290M)
Fall 2024 / Graduate-level School of Information Course at UC Berkeley
Graduate TA, Sensemaking and Organizing (COGSCI 150)
Spring 2024 / Upper-Division Undergraduate Cognitive Sciences at UC Berkeley
Technology, Marketing & Product Astro Award, Salesforce
Aug 2022 / For work on the Research & Insights Mentorship Program