Laura Barberena,Ph.D.

Focus Group Moderator

Dr. Laura Barberena holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, where she received extensive training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey research, in-depth interviews, and focus groups.

For more than 15 years, Dr. Barberena has moderated focus groups for clients in the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. Her experience spans a wide range of topics, including political campaigns and public policy, small business, healthcare, education, consumer research, and website usability. She is fully bilingual and moderates focus groups and in-depth interviews in both English and Spanish.

In addition to facilitating discussions, Dr. Barberena specializes in analyzing qualitative data and preparing comprehensive reports that identify key themes, insights, and strategic recommendations. She previously served as the primary focus group moderator for the Office of Survey Research at The University of Texas at Austin, served and the Director of Hispanic Qualitative Research at Emerson College Polling, and currently moderates research projects for BSP Research, a nationally recognized firm specializing in Latino public opinion and political research.

Dr. Barberena is also the co-author of the “Focus Groups” entry in the Encyclopedia of Survey Research Methods (SAGE Publications, 2007), reflecting her scholarly expertise in qualitative research methodology, and is currently working on a book titled, “The Art of Political Focus Groups” to be publish in 2027.