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Catherine Ulmer
Research Director
Started at Socratic in 2023
As a seasoned research leader from the client side, I am supporting Socratic’s research projects by providing the client side perspective and ensure we are meeting the project goals and objectives.
What is the best advice you've been given?
NEVER STOP LEARNING. NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE YOUR EDUCATION AWAY FROM YOU.
What is the most important thing you learned before high school?
HOW TO MANAGE A SMALL BUSINESS. I WAS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL WHEN MY MOM STARTED HER OWN COOKIE SHOP, TURNED FULL SCALE BAKERY, TURNED FULL SCALE RESTAURANT AND CATERING COMPANY.
What is your favorite podcast and/or book?
I DON’T THINK I HAVE A FAVORITE AS AN ADULT. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK IS “BOOTSTRAP LEADERSHIP” FAVORITE PERSONAL BOOKS ARE FROM CHARLES MARTIN OR “THE GIRL WHO WROTE IN SILK” BY KELLI ESTES. MY FAVORITE BOOK FROM CHILDHOOD IS THE ORIGINAL “BOXCAR CHILDREN.”
What song or artist have you most recently listen to?
OLD DOMINION – ANY AND EVERY SONG.
If you could be anywhere other than right here, where would you be?
ON A SKI SLOPE OUT WEST.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
MY MOM. SHE WAS 32 WHEN MY DAD HAD A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. HE WAS IN A COMA AND HAD TO LEARN HOW TO WALK AGAIN AT 39. AS AN 8 YEAR OLD, I WATCHED HER STRENGTH AND LEARNED HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF. SHE WAS THE REASON I WENT TO COLLEGE AND I WAS THE FIRST IN OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY TO GRADUATE WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE.
When not working, what are you happiest doing?
STAYING ACTIVE – WALKING, KAYAKING, HIKING, SKIING — WHATEVER IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE SEASON.
If you had a personal motto, what would it be?
LIFE’S ABOUT CHOICES AND IT ONLY TAKES ONE TO CHANGE YOUR TRAJECTORY IN LIFE.
What is your typical day like?
I LIVE IN FLORIDA, SO I WALK A LITTLE OVER 3 MILES OR GO TO THE GYM ALMOST EVERY DAY. I WORK PART-TIME AND LIKE TO VISIT WITH MY AGING MOM IN THE LATE AFTERNOON. ON THE WEEKENDS, I DON’T SIT STILL. I LOVE TO KAYAK IN SALT WATER (LESS LIKELIHOOD OF GATORS!) AND SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY.
What is a pet peeve you have?
DIRTY DISHES IN MY SINK. DO NOT WALK PAST THE DISHWASHER……
