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 an adjunct research professor 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

Adjunct Research Professor, 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