Nic Walter
Curriculum Vitae
Nic Walter is an artist and researcher who aims to make harmful materials and systems more humane. In the tech industry, he works to identify and address the various pain points that people have with digital technologies. In his art practice, he focuses on dangerous physical materials, transforming post-industrial debris into safer, more approachable forms. His extensive training in data analysis and research methodologies gives him a strong foundation across both hard and soft sciences, allowing him to work effectively across many disciplines.
Education
Columbia University ᐧ New York, New York
Sep 2021 - May 2024
M.A. Quantitative Research Methods
Underwent rigorous training in data analysis, survey methods, data visualization, and research strategy. Specialized in methods to quantify and predict the cognitive effects of visual media on the global public.
University of Georgia ᐧ Athens, Georgia
Aug 2011 - Dec 2015
B.A. Cognitive Science
Examined cognitive processes from a variety of perspectives including linguistics, computer science, anthropology, neuroscience, and philosophy. Focused on exploring frameworks of perception.
B.S. Psychology
Received a broad education in psychology applicable to a variety of research contexts. Developed an understanding of research methods, research analysis, ethics of research, and scientific communication.
B.A. Art History
Studied the history of art and visual objects across a wide range of media, cultures, and periods. Focused on learning methods to measure various aspects of the relationship between audiences and imagery.
Employment
The New York Times ᐧ New York, New York
Mar 2022 - Present ᐧ 3.5 yrs
Research Contractor
Jul 2025 - Present ᐧ 6 mos
Leading targeted, contract-based research projects for design teams at The New York Times on how to improve the accessibility and usability of the Times website and app by conducting 1:1 interviews, focus groups, ethnographies, workshops, and surveys.
Research Lead
Mar 2022 - Jun 2025 ᐧ 3 yrs
Oversaw a wide range of research programs focused on how to improve the user experience of the New York Times. Led all user research related to audience needs pertaining to the 2024 presidential race.
AnswerLab ᐧ New York, New York
Jan 2019 - Mar 2022 ᐧ 3 yrs
Research Manager
Mar 2021 - Mar 2022 ᐧ 1 yr
Led a team of 8 researchers as they ran a broad range of user experience studies on emerging digital services. Coached researchers on how to improve their research skill sets and created processes to ensure our team’s research output was as efficient and impactful as possible.
Senior Researcher
Jul 2020 - Mar 2021 ᐧ 9 mos
Conducted UX research projects for Google at a high volume and rapid cadence. In particular, studied the visual experience of Google Search results pages designed for user queries on severe storms, unemployment benefits, and general information about COVID-19.
India Team Lead
Jan 2020 - Jun 2020 ᐧ 6 mos
Opened the first research office for AnswerLab outside the USA. Hired, trained, and supervised a team of 6 UX researchers in the New Delhi area while establishing a robust region-specific research protocol with our vendors and clients.
UX Researcher
Jan 2019 - Dec 2019 ᐧ 1 yr
Managed UX research projects for some of the world's largest technology-driven companies (e.g., Facebook, American Express, Wells Fargo, and FedEx). Strategized research methods, moderated research sessions, analyzed feedback, and presented research insights.
Sachs Insights ᐧ New York, New York
Jan 2017 - Dec 2018 ᐧ 2 yrs
Senior Research Associate
Collaborated on dozens of user experience research studies for organizations across industries including financial technologies, retail, social media, web design, app design, appliance design, and public transportation.
Museum of Modern Art ᐧ New York, New York
Mar 2016 - Feb 2017 ᐧ 1 yr
Visitor Engagement Researcher
Analyzed the behavioral patterns of the thousands of weekly visitors to one of the world's most recognized museums. Strategized methods to understand a diverse audience by leading interviews and surveys.
Freeman Asia Grant ᐧ Chiang Mai, Thailand
Jun 2014 - Aug 2014 ᐧ 3 mos
Researcher
Measured the effectiveness of a curriculum that used visual modes of communication as a method to facilitate language instruction in classrooms where teachers and students lacked a common spoken language.
Brown Visual Perception Lab ᐧ Athens, Georgia
Aug 2014 - May 2015 ᐧ 1 yr
Research Assistant
Assisted research projects addressing different aspects of visual memory, temporary blindness, peripheral awareness, and visual attention. Collected a variety of quantitative and post-procedural measurements.
Laboratory for the Study of Social Interaction ᐧ Athens, Georgia
Jul 2012 - Dec 2012 ᐧ 6 mos
Research Assistant
Assisted numerous research projects related to fundamental processes in social interaction, including justice/injustice processes, status/power processes, and individual/group identity processes.
Awards & Grants
Velferden ᐧ Artist in Residence
Sokndal, Norway ᐧ Jan 2026
Stanford d.school ᐧ Grant Recipient
New York, New York ᐧ May 2016
Freeman Asia Grant ᐧ Grant Recipient
Chiang Mai, Thailand ᐧ Jun 2014
Zell Miller Scholarship ᐧ Scholarship Recipient
Covington, Georgia ᐧ May 2011
Daughters of the American Revolution ᐧ Scholarship Recipient
Covington, Georgia ᐧ May 2011
Boy Scouts of America ᐧ Eagle Scout
Covington, Georgia ᐧ Dec 2010
Art Exhibitions
Sediments & Signals ᐧ Brooklyn Navy Yard
New York, New York ᐧ Oct 2025
Glyphosate Paintings ᐧ Gymnopedie
New York, New York ᐧ Mar 2025
544 Park Annual Open Studios
New York, New York ᐧ Oct 2024
Computational Journalism Showcase ᐧ Columbia University
New York, New York ᐧ May 2022
Student Salon ᐧ The Art Students League
New York, New York ᐧ Feb 2018
Art as Activism ᐧ Ciné
Athens, Georgia ᐧ Apr 2014
Empty Bowls ᐧ Eastside High School
Covington, Georgia ᐧ Nov 2010
Lectures & Workshops
Making Paint from Mine Waste ᐧ Velferden
Sokndal, Norway ᐧ Jan 2026
Research Methods for Mapmaking ᐧ School of Visual Arts
New York, New York ᐧ Nov 2024
Advancing Art with Research ᐧ University of Georgia
New York, New York ᐧ May 2017