Intelligence, Personality, & Talent.
You’ll be glad you’re working with a Linker.
Get to Know Us
Linkers are some of the brightest people you’ll ever meet.
They’re a group of smart, collaborative people who love a challenge and have the independence to meet client needs in ways big and small. After all, empowering people is the only means to smarter research and better service.
Amanda Johnson
Hometown
Boca Raton, FL
Education
University of Georgia (MMR)
University of Central Florida (BS in Psychology, Minor in Marketing)
Thinks
Gratitude is the best attitude
What you do
Distill insights, know the data
What makes you a good researcher
Incessant need to have Plan A, B, and C
Has been known to
Say “just kidding” before a joke can land
Amani Robinson
Hometown
Lawrenceville, GA
Education
Wake Forest University (BS in Business & Enterprise Management, Concentration in Marketing)
Passionate about
Travel, Cooking, TikToks, and True Crime Docs
What makes you a good researcher
I bring positivity to everything I do and always work hard to get the job done!
Favorite movie
The second half of Titanic…where all the drama happens!
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visit all 50 US states
Andrew Borum
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Education
Wake Forest University (BSBA)
Thinks
You must be yourself. It’s the only job no one else can do.
What you do
Uncover what people mean by what they say
Guilty pleasure
Disney World… as an adult
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Andrew’s Bucket List” (*underlined*)
Andrew Hunt
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Economics & Psychology)
Thinks
Do what you love and success will follow
What you do
Make data approachable and insightful
What makes you a good researcher
My positive attitude and drive to keep learning from all of the incredibly smart Linkers I work with on a daily basis
Favorite quote
“What to do with a mistake: Recognize it, Admit it, Learn from it, Forget it.” – Dean Smith
Anna Morten
Hometown
Memphis, TN
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Psychology, Minor in Journalism)
Thinks
Anything worth doing is worth doing right
Has been known to
Find pizza at any late-night gathering
Guilty pleasure
Arby’s curly fries
Most interesting/unique research topic
Creating a migraine “immersion experience” for clients to walk in the patient’s shoes – complete with drunk goggles, sirens, and nausea-inducing smelling salts
Ashley Daisley
Hometown
New York, NY and Washington, D.C.
Education
Worcester Polytechnic University (BS in Biomedical Engineering)
University of Cincinnati – Carl H. Linder College of Business (Master’s in Business Administration with concentration in Human Factors/International Business)
Thinks
It’s unfortunate that ~75% of humans never venture more than 90 miles from where they were born.
What you do (in 5 words or less)
Bring human experiences to life.
Favorite quote
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Favorite book?
The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Austin Nissen
Hometown
Cumming, GA
Education
Wake Forest University (BS in Business Management, Concentration in Business Analytics, Minor in Philosophy)
Thinks
Paying attention and being positive is 90% of the battle
What makes you a good researcher
A drive to answer questions in a way that lead to decisions
Has been known to
Jam in the car – I play air drums on the steering wheel like a young Neil Peart
Guilty pleasure
T Swift, no guilt about it though
Bethany Black
Hometown
Buffalo, NY
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA)
Johns Hopkins University (MA)
Thinks
Staying awake past 10 is overrated
Passionate about
The Buffalo Bills
Top of your bucket list
Staying in a castle in Scotland
Guilty pleasure
Anything HGTV is showing, I’m watching
Brandon Richard
Hometown
Elon, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, BA in Econonmics)
What you do
Dig beneath the surface
Passionate about
Credit card points & loyalty programs
Has been known to
Eat fast food for an entire weekend in Japan
Most unique research topic
Heavy duty motor oil purchase drivers amongst large scale farmers…research conducted in an actual cornfield
Breezy Jenkins
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Sociology, Spanish Minor)
Wake Forest University School of Business (MS in Business Management with concentration in marketing)
Guilty pleasure
Movie theater popcorn! You truly can’t find better popcorn anywhere else.
Favorite quote
“I have already settled it for myself, so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
Favorite movie
Shrek 2
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
See bioluminescent plankton
Cameron Baird
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA in Economics and Public Policy, minor in Spanish)
Thinks
There is no such thing as too many throw pillows!
Has been known to
Order Mac & Cheese whenever it is on a menu
Guilty pleasure
Eating excessive amounts of raw cookie dough
Favorite vacation destination
Topsail Beach, NC
Caroline Alessandro
Hometown
Winter Park, FL
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Business Journalism & Psychology)
Thinks
Online shopping is a form of therapy
What makes you a good researcher
Curiosity and attention to detail
Guilty pleasure
A $7 latte
Favorite thing about TLG
The collaborative environment, growth mindset, and people who genuninely want the best for each other
Celestine Imperial
Hometown
Tampa, FL
Education
University of South Florida (BS in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising)
Thinks
You are exactly where you should be at any given point in time
What makes you a good researcher
I love to understand people through connections and questions!
Top of your bucket list
Go to Cannes Film Festival
Favorite thing about TLG
Its emphasis on growth, inclusion, and always staying curious
Courtney Turner
Hometown
Stockbridge, GA
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Global Health; MPH in Health Behavior)
Has been known to
Fall asleep before the plane takes off
Favorite book
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Thinks
Most meals should include potatoes in some form
Top of your bucket list
Go to pastry school
Dalton Buckley
Hometown
Holly Springs, NC
Education
North Carolina State University (BS in Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing)
Has been known to
Listen exclusively to Zach Bryan on road trips
Favorite movie
Good Will Hunting
What makes you a good researcher?
I am never scared to ask questions and find the deeper meanings
Favorite Quote
“To me there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think — spend some time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that’s a heck of a day.” – Jim Valvano
Denise Minor Abatzis
Hometown
Watertown, NY
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
What you do
Talk a little, listen more.
Favorite book
The Time Traveler’s Wife
Most unique research topic
Taste test research of different flavors of candy corn
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Go on a safari
Dylan McCue
Hometown
Saxapahaw, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Journalism/Advertising)
Passionate about
Making art, watching movies, eating food, going snowboarding, living for the moment
What makes you a good researcher
A knack for viewing situations through multiple lenses.
Favorite quote
“Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously.” – Hunter S. Thompson
Most interesting research topic
Onsite research with fitness trend leaders – watch out for that barbell!
Elijah Gerolemon
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
NC State University (BSBA in Marketing)
Has been known to
Eat an excessive amount of frozen mango
Guilty pleasure
Peach cobbler milkshakes
Favorite thing about TLG
The people – there is an overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging environment at TLG.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Backpacking in New Zealand
Elizabeth Breece
Hometown
High Point, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Wake Forest University (MS in Business Analytics)
What makes you a good researcher
I’m passionate about data and details
Has been known to
Waterski without using my hands
Favorite quote
“When you stop getting better, you stop being good.”
Favorite movie
The Parent Trap
Elizabeth Sigarto
Hometown
Cary, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Economics, Minor in Asian Studies)
Passionate about
Different types of tea, cooking, and art
Has been known to
Have a pet hamster as an adult
Favorite quote
“Is the juice worth the squeeze?”
Most unique research topic
Creative concepts for a sleep disorder called idiopathic hypersomnia
Emily Hull
Hometown
Amelia Island, FL
Education
Wake Forest University (BS in Business and Enterprise Management, Concentration in Marketing + Art History Double Major)
What you do
Identify patterns that matter
Passionate about
Finding joy in the little things
Has been known to
Set my office temperature to 82 degrees
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Scuba dive in the south pacific
Erin Sattenfield
Hometown
Winston-Salem, NC
Education
Bard College (BA in English & Creative Writing)
The New School University (MA in Media Studies)
Thinks
Empathy unlocks everything
Has been known to
Plan entire vacations around a single restaurant
Guilty pleasure
I hate the term guilty pleasure – own your loves, even if it’s the Bachelor/ette
Favorite thing about TLG
I genuinely love the people I work with at TLG – accross the board we are kind, curious and committed to doing our best.
Gia Peeples
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Kennesaw State University (BA Communication)
Passionate about
Helping others by being a connector, live music, and traveling
Has been known to
Eat olives straight out of the jar
Favorite book
The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson
Favorite thing about TLG
The culture! There is little ego here, everyone is intelligent, progressive, and truly values a learning environment. They want to see and help everyone around them grow.
Grant Morgan
Hometown
Concord, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, Minor in Spanish)
What makes you a good researcher
I don’t stop until I feel I have found the best answer to the question or the best solution to the problem
Has been known to
Work out during my lunch hour
Guilty pleasure
Cheerwine
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Attend >50% of the F1 races in any given season
Jase Bumgardner
Hometown
Laurinburg, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BS in Journalism & Mass Communication)
Thinks
Be Kind, Be Brave, Be Yourself
What makes you a good researcher
Working backwards to create a decision advantage
Most interesting research topic
Anything involving the obesity epidemic – why it’s happening, how to drug it, how to beat it
Favorite thing about TLG
Everything
Jeff Whiteside
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, Minor in Spanish)
What you do
Listen with all five senses
Guilty pleasure
Reading cookbooks like novels
Favorite quote
“Whatever you do, take care of your shoes.” – Phish
Favorite thing about TLG
The ability to solve challenging business problems while wearing flip flops and a trucker hat
Jessica Caffrey
Hometown
I’ve moved a lot, but I now claim Raleigh, NC!
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Thinks
Life is about balance
Has been known to
Accidentally snort when I laugh too hard
Favorite quote
“I’d rather live with a good question than a bad answer.” —Aryeh Frimer
Most interesting research topic
Anything onsite in people’s homes – it’s always fascinating what they’ll reveal
Jessica Metcalf
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Georgia State University (BS in Mathmatics, Minor in Theater)
Kennesaw State University (MBA)
Thinks
You should never be too proud to laugh at yourself; life’s too short to be so serious all the time
What you do
Simplify complex analyses / numerical insights
Has been known to
Take vacation when a video game I’ve been waiting to drop is first released
What’s your favorite Link Group memory?
Office-wide wine tastings in the Camrud wine cellar
Jessica Stout
Hometown
Waxhaw, NC
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA Journalism)
What makes you a good researcher?
My attention to detail and “can-do” attitude
Guilty pleasure
Below Deck & a Cookout milkshake
Favorite movie
Mamma Mia!
Passionate about
Cold brew coffee, connecting with people, and exploring new places
Jim Pullen
Hometown
Warrensburg, MO
Education
Washington University (BSEE)
Vanderbilt University (MBA)
Thinks
Understand first, then seek to be understood
Passionate about
My family, the outdoors, and lifetime learning
What makes you a good researcher
I channel the voice of the customer, even when they may be speaking an uncomfortable truth.
Guilty pleasure
Baking
John Minnick
Hometown
Indianapolis, IN
Education
Ball State University (BA in Journalism & Political Science)
What you do
Connect dots
Has been known to
Co-opt TikTok jargon that is 3 years out of date
Most interesting research topic
Impact of aging on the male psyche
Thinks
The truth is out there
Joi Freeman
Hometown
Wake Forest, NC
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Economics, Minors in Psychology & Statistics)
Thinks
Vulnerabilty is the core of human connection
Has been known to
Wear a sweater when it’s 75 degrees
Favorite quote
“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody” – Kid President
Favorite thing about TLG
The culture is unbeatable. We are the definition of work hard, play hard.
Julie Heideman
Hometown
Asheville, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
What you do
Listen deeply
Passionate about
Family, my golden retriever Maple, and finding the best restaurants wherever I travel
What makes you a good researcher
I’m naturally curious and love figuring out the why and what that means for my clients.
Favorite book
Love a good thriller/’whodunnit’ book that I inevitably finish in one sitting
Kade Sutton
Hometown
Clinton, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Public Policy)
Guilty pleasure
Watching Footloose or Pitch Perfect
Favorite quote
“Wealth can also be that attitude of gratitude with which we remind ourselves every day to count our blessings.” – Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happiness
What makes you a good researcher?
I love asking questions that seem impossible to answer.
Thinks
Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is the only way to grow.
Kathrine Soliman
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, BA in Economics)
What makes you a good researcher?
I’m a good mix of left- and right-brained. I love listening to/communicating with people, but also enjoy analyzing and finding patterns in data.
Guilty pleasure
Mindlessly eating kettle jalapeño chips or Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia
Favorite quote
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” – RBG
Favorite thing about TLG
The people and the culture! I’m encouraged to learn and grow with the support of Linkers every step of the way.
Katie Kennihan
Hometown
Chapel Hill, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Passionate about
Dogs, traveling to new places, British reality TV
What makes you a good researcher
I never get tired of learning new things or meeting new people
Has been known to
FaceTime my family’s dogs regularly
Guilty pleasure
Pineapple on pizza
Laura Bayzle
Hometown
O’Fallon, IL
Education
Wake Forest University (BA)
Duke University (MBA)
What you do
Gather, distill, inspire
Passionate about
Learning about the world around me
Has been known to
Sing karaoke to Madonna and Eminem
Most unique research topic
Observing hotel housekeeping cleaning behaviors
Lauren Yankes
Hometown
Durham, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Passionate about
Skincare and tacos
What makes you a good researcher
I stay focused on the big picture, tailoring every question, framework, and team discussion to advance the overarching strategy
Favorite quote
First consider how something can work before considering how it can’t
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Scuba dive between the tectonic plates near Iceland
Lara Case
Hometown
Ashland City, TN
Education
Trinity University (BS Business Administration)
Wake Forest University (MS in Business Analytics)
Favorite book
Becoming by Michelle Obama
What’s at the top of your bucket list
Machu Picchu and Bora Bora
Favorite thing about TLG
Feeling supported and respected by all my colleagues!
Has been known to
Monogram too many items
Liz Kemp
Hometown
Knoxville, TN
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Media & Journalism)
Thinks
Life is short. Buy the shoes!
What makes you a good researcher
I’m positive, patient, and always persistent
Has been known to
Finish an entire novel in one sitting
Favorite thing about TLG
Our inimitable “secret sauce” is the coalition of Linkers, culture, team-based learning, and synergistic working environment that enables us to consistently be one of the best places to work
Madison Johnson
Hometown
Mooresville, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BS in Business Administration and BA in Economics)
Favorite thing about TLG
Its emphasis on flexibility and the culture!
Passionate about
Traveling & the Tar Heels
What makes you a good researcher?
Being detail-oriented and loving collaboration
Has been known to
Lose my car in every parking lot
Makenna Roth
Hometown
Highlands Ranch, CO
Education
Wake Forest University (BS in Business & Enterprise Management)
Thinks
Mini M&M’s are far better than the regular sized ones
What you do
Amplify the customer’s voice
Has been known to
Menu stalk every restaurant I plan on eating at
Guilty pleasure
Justin Bieber’s Christmas album
Favorite quote
“Plan in decades, think in years, work in months, live in days.”
Marisa Edwards
Hometown
Princeton Junction, NJ
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, BA in Music)
Passionate about
All animals, traveling, and music
Has been known to
Sign up for morning workout classes that I can never get up for
Guilty pleasure
Ferrero Rocher chocolates
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Cage dive with great white sharks
Mason Atwell
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Business Journalism)
Passionate about
Oysters on the half shell
What makes you a good researcher?
Attention to detail and personability
Favorite quote
“Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” – Alan Turing
Favorite movie
Inception
Megan Waters
Hometown
Jacksonville, FL
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, BA in Media & Journalism)
Thinks
Growth and discomfort go hand in hand
Has been known to
Write something on a to-do list I’ve already done just to be able to cross it out
Guilty pleasure
Cold pizza for breakfast
Favorite quote
“What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” -Brené Brown
Melia Whiteside
Hometown
Charlotte (The Queen City), NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Has been known to
Surprise people with my big personality
Most unique research topic
Observing pacemakers being implanted in the operating room
Favorite thing about TLG
I call the people I work with “my friends” before “my co-workers”
Michelle Hayes
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Passionate about
Yoga, outside, live music, thrifting, We’re Not Really Strangers
Has been known to
Guess your sign
Guilty pleasure
Oat milk latte & a scone
Favorite thing about TLG
My incredible colleagues who challenge me and focus on the development of each other to bolster the collaborative environment that makes TLG so fun to be a part of
Michelle Lester
Hometown
Chattanooga, TN
Education
UGA (BBA, MMR)
Thinks
The only constant in life is change
Passionate about
Food, neuroscience, and fantasy football
Has been known to
Say what everyone else is thinking
What is your “at bat” song?
Short Skirt, Long Jacket by Cake
Mike Morse
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Economics)
Passionate about
Trying to live in the moment
What makes you a good researcher
I listen more than I speak
Has been known to
Hit MLB games after research whenever the home team is in town
Favorite quote
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Morgan Sigler
Hometown
Hickory, NC
Education
Elon University (BA)
Thinks
A positive attitude and hard work are the ingredients for success
What you do
Understand the how and the why
Guilty pleasure
Belting along to Broadway soundtracks in my car
Favorite quote
“A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussion, decisions and outcomes for everyone.” – Sundar Pichai
Natalie Camrud
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Scripps College (BA)
Passionate about
Reading, being outdoors, memorizing restaurant menus beforehand, and naps
Has been known to
Dance so hard that my silent disco headphones fly off
Favorite quote
“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it” – Eckhart Tolle
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Go canyoneering at Zion National Park
Nick Rowland
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Cornell University (BS)
Thinks
A lot about everything
What you do
Makes the improbable reality
Passionate about
My children
Favorite book
The Count of Monte Cristo, Othello, and The Brother Karamazov
Nicole Johnson
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Media & Journalism, Minor in Social Justice, Minor in Entrepreneurship)
Passionate about
Sports, reality TV, fried chicken, inclusion and service
Favorite quote
There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.
What makes you a good researcher
I seek opportunities to create and advocate.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visiting Bora Bora
Niki Goncalves
Hometown
Washington, D.C.
Education
University of Virginia (BA in Foreign Affairs; Urban Planning Minor)
Passionate about
Composting
Favorite quote
“Let everything happen to you. Beauty and terror, no feeling is final.”
Favorite movie
Cinema Paradiso
Most interesting research topic
Optimizing a workplace personality test and tool to incorporate people’s different cultural experiences.
Nikki Meyer
Hometown
Wilmington, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA)
Michigan State University (BS)
What makes you a good researcher
Always being adaptable and trying to see things from different points of view
Has been known to
Shop a lot and then return 80% of it
Favorite quote
“The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef
Olivia Katsoudas
Hometown
Burlington, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BS in Statistics and Analytics, BS in Psychology, Data Science Minor)
What you do (in 5 words or less)
Learn and grow every day
Favorite book
The Shining
Favorite quote
Everything that is meant for you is on its way
Top of your bucket list
Speak fluent Greek
Parks Tompkins
Hometown
Wilmington, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Thinks
The more you get lost, the more places you get to see
What makes you a good researcher
I love learning new things, and I’m good at sharing what I learn
Has been known to
Consume more ketchup than the average American family
Guilty pleasure
Survivor
Patrick Ross
Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA)
What you do
Make it all make sense
Guilty pleasure
Too much Star Wars
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Sleeping under the Aurora Borealis
Favorite thing about TLG
Every project is like a new career. I’m always getting to embed myself in clients’ new business problems, and no two are ever the same.
Paul Robinson
Hometown
Rockport, MA
Education
Elon University (BSBA)
Thinks
Even a bad day on the golf course beats a good day anywhere else
What makes you a good researcher
Always wanting to understand the big picture. It’s not all about the what, but also the why.
Guilty pleasure
Making multiple Dunkin’ runs a day
Favorite quote
“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Phereby Kersh
Hometown
Chapel Hill, NC
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Psychology)
Passionate About
Spotify playlists, good food, bookstores, and walking fast
Guilty Pleasure
Love Island (but only the UK version)
Has been known to
Buy a new book at any chance even when I have a stack of unread ones on my nightstand
Favorite Quote
“Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” – Mary Oliver
Rachel Cooper
Hometown
Marietta, GA
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Psychology)
Wake Forest University School of Business (MS in Management)
Passionate about
Pasta, planners, and personality tests (ask me all things Enneagram!)
Favorite thing about TLG
The collaborative culture – Linkers are genuinely invested in the growth of one another, and it is a privilege to get to work alongside and learn from such passionate, talented people. (Oh, and the kitchen fully stocked with snacks is pretty nice too!)
Has been known to
Write “make to-do list” at the top of my to-do list, just so I can cross it off for a sense of accomplishment
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
Raja Gupta
Hometown
Birmingham, AL
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Duke University (MBA)
Thinks
Do what you love and success will follow
What you do
Support clients and colleagues in their growth
Has been known to
Be a little extra when it comes to making cocktails
What’s your superpower?
Ordering just the right amount of food at big a group dinner
Raven Laney
Hometown
Denver, NC
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Sociology, Concentration in Business & Society, Minor in Communications)
Thinks
There’s a playlist for everything
Has been known to
Restart a song because I missed the “good part”
Guilty pleasure
True crime podcasts – something about them is very soothing
Favorite quote
“No rain, no flowers!”
Rebecca Bergen
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Elon University (BA in Strategic Communications, Minor in Business Administration)
Passionate about
True crime, skincare, music, and self improvement
Guilty pleasure
Celebrity gossip, gummy candy, and the Jonas Brothers
Favorite thing about TLG
The people. The Link Group is my second family!
What’s something you learned recently?
How to solve a Rubik’s cube in under two minutes
Salihah Siddiqui
Hometown
Cary, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Passionate about
Family and traveling the world
Has been known to
Be a night owl
Guilty pleasure
French fries for every meal
Favorite book
The Harry Potter series
Sara Smith
Hometown
Louisville, KY
Education
University of Kentucky (BA in Mathematics)
Wake Forest University (MSBA)
Thinks
Ice cream for breakfast is the best way to start your day
What makes you a good researcher
I am always very curious. I strive to constantly learn more and ask the why behind every answer.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Backpack through Asia
Favorite thing about TLG
The candy drawer. Oh, and the love, support, and laughter of Linkers that fills the TLG offices.
Saritha Venkataram
Hometown
Tampa, FL
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Economics)
Guilty pleasure
Pixar short films
Favorite quote
“What we do is more important than what we say or what we believe” – Bell Hooks
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visiting all the national parks!
What makes you a good researcher?
Being a creative and curious problem solver!
Shep Zoutewelle
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Thinks
Pineapple should never go on pizza
Passionate about
Black coffee & the conversation that goes with it
Has been known to
Play with every dog in the office despite my dog allergy
Guilty pleasure
T Swift, particularly 1989 & Red
Sophie Hruza
Hometown
Denver, CO
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Passionate about
Austin, TX, my puppy, and patio weather
What makes you a good researcher
A genuine desire to understand people and what makes them tick
Guilty pleasure
True crime documentaries
Favorite quote
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
Spencer Amos
Hometown
Morganton, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Communication Studies)
What makes you a good researcher
Practice being a sounding board. I love to share ideas and work with my team to find the best solution.
Guilty pleasure
People watching!
Favorite movie
Star Wars
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
See the White Cliffs of Dover
Steve Barnard
Hometown
Deland, FL
Education
University of Florida (BS)
University of Tennessee (PhD)
Thinks
Life is your oyster!
What you do
Help build and implement best practices
Passionate about
Not getting too out of shape, building/fixing things, my family
Guilty pleasure
Candy Crush
Tara Dorsett
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
North Carolina State University (BS in Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing)
Guilty pleasure
Brownie batter
Favorite movie
The Dark Knight
Favorite book
Verity
Favorite thing about TLG
The inclusion and how excited everyone is to get to know you and work together. TLG is so welcoming, plus I know I will never go hungry here
Tommy Galloway
Hometown
Durham, NC
Education
Appalachian State University (Majors in Mathematics and Statistics)
University of Georgia (MMR)
What you do
Solve problems for clients
Has been known to
Find a trail in just about every city I go to
Guilty pleasure
Reality TV
Favorite quote
“It’s not your aptitude, but your attitude, that determines your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar
Vivian Lu
Hometown
Bradenton, FL
Education
University of South Florida (BA Psychology)
What is your go-to TV show
New Girl
What’s at the top of your bucket list
Swim in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Passionate about
Thrifting, music, and exploring nature
Has been known to
Say oddly specific yet very useless facts
Will Chestnutt
Hometown
Durham, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Adversting & Political Science)
Thinks
You always need to remind yourself of the bigger picture!
Has been known to
Challenge anyone to a rock, paper, scissors competition
Favorite movie
Talladega Nights
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Complete Iceland’s Ring Road
YiMing Zheng
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Education
University of Birmingham, UK (MS)
University of North Carolina – Charlotte (PhD)
Thinks
A good beginning is halfway to success!
Has been known to
Make delicious food for family & find a tea store in every city I visit
Favorite movie
Titanic
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visit every national park in the US
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