How we're changing UX research education

The Learning Community for UX Researchers

Great research requires both solid theory and hands-on skill. But the way we typically learn in our field splits these apart. You pick up skills on the job without understanding the "why" behind the methods. Conferences and webinars give you some theory but no time to practice.


We believe there's a better way.


The UXR Institute was founded on a simple premise: the best way to learn rigorous UX research is through live, expert-led courses that combine theory with skill-building. We're creating the community where seasoned researchers share hard-won knowledge, and where busy professionals can access structured learning that actually sticks.


Our courses don't just teach you what to do—they help you understand why it works, when to apply it, and how to adapt when things go sideways (which they always do).


Ready to level up your research practice?


Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise or share your knowledge with the next generation of researchers, we'd love to have you join our mission.

Meet Our Team

Leo Hoar, PhD

Founder and CEO

Leo founded the UXR Institute driven by a core conviction that exceptional research transforms business outcomes and that UX researchers deserve greater strategic influence within organizations.

With nearly a decade in UX research, he has worked at Samsung, as a consultant to numerous start-ups, and as UX Research Manager at Beam Benefits, where he built a research team from the ground up.

His academic background includes 15 years of teaching experience that earned him three teaching awards from the University of California and roles training new instructors, plus specialized training in design research with Prof. Liz Sanders—experience that deeply informs the Institute's hands-on, engagement-focused learning approach. This combination of research practice, educational expertise, and consulting work with startups and non-profits gives Leo a comprehensive understanding of how to develop researchers who can drive meaningful business impact.

Education

PhD, English and Critical Theory, University of California - Irvine

MA, English, University of California - Irvine

MA, English, Fordham University

BA, English and Government, Georgetown University

Cheryl Abellanoza, PhD

Founding Instructor

Cheryl Abellanoza is the Associate Director of User Experience Research at Verizon Connect. Her team uses a mixed methods approach in order to understand user needs, attitudes, environments, and perceptions. She has a particular passion for bringing in quantitative methods that come from areas that involve behavioral research, especially with a cognitive psychology lens. In fact, Cheryl approaches everything in life according to 3 Cs: Cognition, Culture, and Creativity. She is an empathetic and passionate leader who always puts her team first!

Education

PhD, Experimental Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), University of Texas - Arlington

MS, Experimental Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), University of Texas - Arlington

MA, Clinical Counseling, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Upcoming Course

Cheryl is teaching a Quantitative UX Research Course on Statistical Methods in Product Development, starting October 13, 2025.

HarmoniJoie Noel, PhD

Founding Instructor

Dr. HarmoniJoie Noel is a Senior Mixed Methods Researcher with 15 years of specialized expertise in survey methodology, healthcare research, and patient experience studies. With a PhD in Sociology and Survey Research Methodology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she has built a distinguished career spanning roles at RTI International, the National Center for Health Statistics at CDC, American Institutes for Research, and Booz Allen Hamilton, where she managed large-scale data collection efforts and conducted groundbreaking research on health insurance literacy, patient experiences with the ACA Health Insurance Marketplaces, and intimate partner violence measurement that has directly informed healthcare policy and improved patient outcomes.

Dr. Noel specializes in survey methodology, CAHPS patient experience surveys, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and leading cross functional teams in developing complex survey instruments for high-profile clients. As the owner of Harmonious Research, LLC, she provides expert methodological consultation to government and commercial organizations.

Education

PhD, Sociology, Survey Research and Methodology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

MS, Sociology, Women's and Gender Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

BA, Sociology, Psychology, Concordia College

Upcoming Course

Harmoni is teaching a Quantitative UX Research course in Survey Design that launches on October 23, 2025.
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