Meet Melissa Oakes

Melissa Oakes is an experienced moderator in the Healthcare, Social Science and CPG industries with 17 years experience. Her specialties include sensitive topics, medications/devices, and consumer and patient journey work. She has done extensive research in diabetes as well as autoimmune disorders and respiratory health. Her favorite work is concept testing – being a part of the creative process and helping clients narrow down ideas to achieve the optimal design, ad or structure that is the best reflection of the brand.

She is RIVA-trained and has worked with a myriad of respondent types including men and women of all ages, caregivers, patients, HCPs and key opinion leaders.

Melissa earned her Master of Arts in Professional Research from the S.I. Newhouse at Syracuse University with a special emphasis in qualitative research. Her master’s thesis, Shopping for Self Esteem: Media Influences on Women’s Body Image and Consumption of Personal Care Goods, used focus groups to understand how media images, age and socio-cultural pressures impact women’s perceptions of themselves as well as influence their consumer behavior. Melissa also holds a B.A. in English and Journalism from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

Melissa is an active member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) – an association dedicated to the ongoing enhancement of qualitative researchers worldwide.

When she’s not enjoying research, she is spending time with her husband, three daughters and her very large Rottweiler, “Cheese.”