We are a team of (nerdy) social scientists and (savvy) businesspeople who bring a wide range of experience to our understanding of people and the social worlds they inhabit.
Susan Kresnicka
President, Cultural Anthropologist
Founder and President of KR&I, Susan is a cultural anthropologist with over 18 years of experience in the commercial sector. Specializing in foundational research to establish core human drivers for consumer behavior, Susan has led large-scale, multi-modal research projects for a range of industries.
Holly Bakarich
General Manager
Known for her tireless work ethic, energetic personality, and hands-on approach, Holly has built a strong reputation for leading clients and teams through complex, large-scale projects. With over 19 years of experience, many of those in the Media and Entertainment industries, she brings her passion for creating effective and efficient processes to KR&I.
Karis Eklund
Research Manager
Karis is a qualitative researcher with over a decade of academic and commercial research experience in the Americas and the Near and Middle East. She holds degrees from Stanford University, University College London, and Universidad del Salvador in Argentina.
Natalie Onken
Research Analyst
Natalie is a multidisciplinary data scientist and problem solver with a M.A. in Social Science from UCLA. Her academic background, which also includes degrees in Political Science, Film, Television & Digital Media, and Latin, has fueled her interest in studying human society in all its dimensions, from intimate interactions to international relations.
Brad Sekedat
Research Analyst
Brad has spent more than 15 years researching the way communities respond to changing social and political dynamics in both ancient and modern contexts. He also has 8 years of experience teaching writing and archaeology at the university level. He holds a PhD in archaeology from Brown University.
Kylie Harrison
Associate Research Analyst
Kylie is an associate research analyst with a B.A. in History and Government from Claremont McKenna College. Her academic focus on collective memory and meaning making has driven her interest in lived experiences and the study of social dynamics.
Heather Harris
Data Scientist and Statistician
Heather has a M.A. in Quantitative Methodology and a Ph.D. in Assessment and Measurement. Her work has focused on applied behavioral statistics and incorporating advanced analytical approaches. Her areas of interest include scientific literacy and decision making, group identification and differentiation, and the role of social media on identity and preference formation.
Michelle Jefferson
Designer
Michelle spent 14 years producing entertainment branding and design packages. While working at an LA-based agency, she helped establish the company's first-ever research arm and oversaw dozens of research projects. She has since moved abroad and continues to work with KR&I from her posts in Australia, Norway, and the U.A.E. Taking inspiration from cultures and art around the world, Michelle brings KR&I insights to life through intelligent design.
George Boyd
Video Editor
George is a video editor with over a decade of production experience in research, sports, and entertainment. His passion lies in bringing compelling stories to life through video.