Lauren M. Ministero

Professional Summary

Behavioral scientist with 10+ years of experience exploring how people think, feel, and act in complex, high-stakes environments. Applies both qualitative and quantitative methods to influence behavior at the intersection of psychology, cybersecurity, AI, and communication. Currently leads the Human-Centered Analytics capability at MITRE, delivering behavioral insights and non-coercive design strategies to U.S. government partners. Also serves as a Visiting Researcher at the University of Toronto, researching empathy and the evolving relationship between AI and human social behavior. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, experimental design, and translating behavioral science into applied impact.

Experience

Lead Behavioral Scientist & Capability Lead, Human-Centered Analytics

The MITRE Corporation — McLean, VA | Jul 2020 – Present

  • Conducts applied research on cybersecurity, privacy, trust, and decision-making for federal agencies

  • Leads a cross-disciplinary team applying behavioral science to design scalable interventions

  • Builds frameworks for measuring social outcomes, emotional impact, and risk-related behavior

  • Has received multiple internal innovation awards for research and thought leadership

Visiting Researcher, Psychology

University of Toronto | Mar 2025 – Present

  • Conducts research on empathy and the intersection of AI and social psychology

  • Designs and implements experimental studies focused on moral decision-making and social technologies

Graduate Researcher and Lab Director

University at Buffalo | Aug 2012 – Dec 2019

  • Co-led NSF-funded research on compassion, helping behavior, and social AI

  • Recruited, trained, and managed a 30+ person team of research assistants

  • Oversaw project timelines and managed grant execution

  • Designed experimental studies, and implemented quantitative analyses

  • Collected psychophysiological, cognitive, and behavioral data

Consultant & UX/Brand Strategist

Various Clients | 2015 – 2020

  • Delivered user journey analysis and brand strategy for wellness and tech startups

  • Created cross-platform testing protocols and brand-consistent digital experiences

  • Designed app-based interventions for chronic care adherence and patient engagement

  • Developed user testing pipelines, behavioral incentive plans, and UX data strategies

Education

PhD, Social & Personality Psychology

University at Buffalo, SUNY | 2020

Dissertation: Helping Hands and Guarded Hearts: When Does Compassion Predict Helping vs. Inaction?

MA, Psychology

University at Buffalo, SUNY | 2014

BA, Psychology & Journalism/New Media

University at Buffalo, SUNY | 2011

Summa Cum Laude, High Honors

Technical & Research Skills

Quantitative Tools: SPSS, Stata, SAS, MPlus, Excel, R (working knowledge), Python and SQL (basic knowledge)

Qualitative Tools: NVivo, ATLAS.ti

Data Collection Tools: Qualtrics, MTurk, Prolific, Sona Systems, Biopac, AcqKnowledge

Analysis: Regression, Multilevel modeling, SEM, A/B testing, diary & longitudinal methods

Design & Prototyping: Figma, Illustrator, Balsamiq, Photoshop (basic)

Communication: Stakeholder briefings, scientific writing