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Our Story

We founded Research Theory to catalyze a culture of creativity in science.

Three years ago, we were researchers struggling to stay creative in the face of constant pressure. Being smart and working hard is not enough: exploring the unknown takes courage!

Now, we’re running experiments and building workshops to inspire and sustain a community of researchers who strive for truly groundbreaking work.

Who we are

The Founders

Elaine Sevier, PhD | President

Elaine Sevier is the President and co-founder of Research Theory. Elaine has a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard University and is a member of the Shanahan Family Foundation Council.

Stuart Sevier, PhD | Director of Strategic Development

Stuart is the Director for Strategic Development and co-founder of Research Theory. Stuart has a master's in physics from UCLA and a PhD in physics from Rice University. Prior to founding Research Theory, Stuart was a research fellow at MIT and postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School. Stuart is a member of the Shanahan Family Foundation Council.

The Trainers

Shana Merlin | Director of Training

TEDx speaker, Shana Merlin is touring her fun and interactive presentations nationwide. She specializes in using the tools and techniques from improvisational comedy to teach team building, communication, and creativity. Shana is an associate at the Center for Health Communication at the University of Texas, was a Professor of Improvisation at St. Edward’s University, and is the Founder of the Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation.

Tyler Brycelove | Lead Trainer

Tyler Bryce has performed in thousands of improv, sketch, and stand up comedy shows through the years, beginning with ComedySportz Austin in 1991. He is a two-time finalist in the Funniest Person In Austin Contest. In 2001, he moved to New York where he studied long-form improv and sketch comedy at The Upright Citizens Brigade, The Magnet, and The People’s Improv Theater.

What drives us

Our strategic vision for Research Theory is guided by four principles:

Interventions, Data, Research, and Community.

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Interventions

We use our knowledge to design, test, and implement evidence-based resources for academic research environments. This includes training for faculty, workshops that strengthen scientific teams, and resources for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as they navigate their scientific and professional development.

Interventions

Data

We actively work to collect data about scientists and the research ecosystem in order to understand how the creativity, mentorship, and well-being of a researcher impacts the research they do. This data in turn drives the development of our interventions as well as gives us insight into what projects to pursue next.

Data

Research

We build knowledge using the data we collect to help us develop a theoretical framework on how scientists do their best work. These insights inform which questions need to be asked as well as what new tools need to be created in order to explore those questions.

Research

Community

We know from experience that the pursuit of science can be a lonely endeavor, and we're actively working to build a community for scientists where information and resources can be shared so that graduate and postdoctoral fellows can better navigate their scientific and professional development.

Community

Our Story

Who we are

The Founders

The Trainers

What drives us

Interventions

Data

Research

Community

Our support