I’m a Principal UX Researcher with over 15 years of experience leading research projects—from academic studies to applied UX research. For the past 4 years, I’ve worked at Ipsos, where I’ve led and contributed to 60+ UX research projects across eCommerce, consumer goods, healthcare, tech, financial services, and government sectors.
My background is rooted in social science, with an advanced degree in sociology and a decade of experience conducting research on healthcare communication and inequalities. I transitioned to UX because I wanted to apply rigorous, human-centered research methods in real-world contexts, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to improve products and services.
I’m passionate about making research approachable and actionable—whether through mentoring, facilitating workshops, or tailoring insights to different audiences. I’m especially interested in accessibility, inclusive design, and reaching hard-to-reach populations.
Currently based in St. Louis, I’m always happy to connect with fellow UX professionals and continue building strong, local UX connections.
I received my PhD from the Department of Sociology at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015 where I also hold a master’s degree. Before attending UIC, I received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
My research has appeared in Gender & Society, Social Studies of Science, Sociology Compass, PsychCritiques, and MedED Portal. I also recently published a book, Acid Revival: The Psychedelic Renaissance and the Quest for Medical Legitimacy, with the University of Minnesota Press.
Previously, I was an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Liberal Arts at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis.
Please feel free to contact me at: danielle [dot] giffort [at] gmail [dot] com
You can follow me on Linkedin.
Danielle Giffort 