Nola du Toit

Executive Summary

Strategic leader with 15+ years of experience shaping how organizations communicate research and data. At NORC, I advanced from hands-on development of survey instruments, data analysis, and interviewer training to spearheading the institution’s data visualization and scientific communication strategy. I pioneered NORC’s first organization-wide data visualization standards, training programs, and governance structures, establishing sustainable practices adopted across IT, communications, statistics, research, and business development.

I bring deep technical expertise in tools such as R, Shiny, Tableau, D3, Quarto, and html/css, and AEM, combined with a proven ability to design intuitive, audience-centered dashboards, interactives, and visual products that are fit-for-purpose, budget, and context. My leadership extends beyond technical delivery: I authored protocols for user experience testing, led a national study on how the public interprets data graphics, and continuously adapt communication practices to meet evolving audience needs.

Known as a thought leader and trusted advisor, I bridge research, technology, and design, guiding organizations in making evidence-based investments in their data visualization capabilities. I excel at building and mentoring cross-functional teams, creating training and onboarding programs, and ensuring scientific communication remains clear, ethical, and impactful. My goal is to direct or establish an organization’s data visualization and communication practices, positioning teams at the cutting edge of how people understand and use data to make better decisions.

Education

• Ph.D. Sociology (2013), Bowling Green State University
• M.A. Sociology (2004), Middle Tennessee State University
• B.A. Sociology (2001), Middle Tennessee State University

Expertise

Professional Experience

NORC at the University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Data Visualization Specialist & Senior Research Methodologist, Research Science Division (2019–Present)

• Established and led NORC’s organization-wide Data Visualization Strategy Group, uniting leaders and creators across Business Development, IT, Communications, Statistics, and Data Science to align standards, share emerging technologies, and strategize around evolving data communication needs, such as the use of AI for monitoring quality of data communication and dissemination. Directed monthly cross-departmental forums on innovations in visualization and scientific communication, mentored junior staff to elevate new ideas, and strengthened NORC’s capacity to meet diverse client and public demands for accessible, impactful data storytelling.
• Directed and managed NORC’s internal data visualization training initiative, conducting cross-departmental focus groups (with creators, proposal managers, project managers, IT, desktop publishing, statisticians, and graphic designers) to identify needs, gaps, and opportunities in data communication. Performed content analysis of existing deliverables across departments and collaborated with stakeholders to design effective training approaches, materials, and tools tailored to staff needs.
• Established NORC’s data visualization standards and protocols, launching a “data viz hotline” for staff guidance, and developing practical resources including a Graph Pack with model charts, a chart chooser, checklists, and fit-for-purpose guidance aligned with statistical and communication best practices, and corporation branding. Designed onboarding training to ensure all new hires began with a baseline understanding of NORC’s data visualization principles, tools, and expectations.
• Served as NORC’s data visualization thought leader and strategic advisor to IT, Communications, Statistics, and Data Science, guiding technology investments, platform decisions, and cross-system integration. Consulted on major infrastructure changes (e.g., AWS to AEM migration) to ensure compatibility with data visualization tools such as D3, JavaScript, R Connect, and Tableau, and advised on aligning IT systems with client-facing visualization needs.
• Authored protocols for user experience testing of data visualization tools and communication products, employing stakeholder interviews, A/B testing, and pre/post impact analysis to ensure outputs were intuitive, reliable, and aligned with client and research standards.
• Spearheaded a grant-funded national study on how U.S. adults interpret data graphics, collecting and analyzing audience feedback to generate evidence-based guidance that advanced NORC’s data communication practices and strengthened the clarity, usability, and impact of visualizations.
• Led NORC’s innovation in data visualization and scientific communication, continuously adapting methods to evolving audience needs and social consumption patterns, and positioning the organization at the cutting edge of how people understand and use data.
• Led the design and development of data graphics, dashboards, and interactives that were fit-for-purpose, budget-conscious, and audience-centered, including projects such as the Medicare Current Beneficiary Dashboard and the Entrepreneurship Population Survey Tool. Collaborated with stakeholders, statisticians, communications experts, and IT teams to translate complex research into accessible tools for policymakers, businesses, government officials, and the public.

Research Methodologist (2013–2018)

• Designed and built data visualization tools and products using R, R Shiny, Tableau, D3, Quarto, HTML/CSS, AEM, and AWS, Excel and PowerPoint, managing development with consideration for IT integration and communications branding standards.
• Created data visualizations, graphics, and dashboards to enhance analyses and deliver clear, actionable findings in client reports and presentations.
• Conducted data analysis and authored methodological sections of reports, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and clarity in research deliverables.
• Collaborated across departments to understand evolving client needs for visualization, helping shape early organizational approaches to tools, training, and skill development.
• Developed and piloted tailored training materials and workshops, introducing staff to effective visualization practices and laying the foundation for NORC’s data communication standards.
• Partnered with clients and internal stakeholders to design dissemination strategies, tailoring communication formats and channels to target audiences.
• Launched data storytelling pilots that positioned NORC as an emerging leader in effective scientific communication.
• Mentored junior staff and introduced guidance practices, supporting retention and cultivating new ideas in data visualization.

Survey Specialist (2009–2013)

• Developed and delivered training materials for field interviewers, providing clear instruction on survey protocols and ensuring consistent, high-quality data collection.
• Designed, tested, and refined survey instruments through questionnaire testing, cognitive interviews, and literature reviews, improving the validity and reliability of data collection tools.
• Performed data analysis and contributed to methodological sections of reports, ensuring findings were accurate, transparent, and well-documented.
• Created client-facing deliverables and presentations, translating technical results into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Bowling Green State University - Bowling Green, OH

Research Associate & Instructor (2004–2009)

• Conducted demographic research and statistical analysis as part of federally funded projects.
• Designed and taught university courses in sociology, and research methods.

Select Projects

Data Interactives & Dashboards

• Public Safety DataHub
• MCBS Interactives on Medicare Population
• NEAS Educational Trajectories
• Interactives on Entrepreneurship Activities by State
• American Attitudes on Goverment Spending Priorities
• Media Sources by Political Party
• Career Trajectories of STEM Doctorates
• MCBS Beneficiaries Data Chartbook
• Retirement Patterns of U.S.-trained Doctorate Holders
• Career Paths of U.S.-trained Doctorate Holders

Infographics & Visual Reports

• Proposed Tools for a Data Consierge Service - Visual Report
• Supporting Transitions in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start - Infographic
• Leveraging Data for an Efficient Labor Market in Northern-Central America - Visual Report

Virtual Reality Video

• Income and Housing in America - VR Video

Grants

• NSF Grant #2346660 – “Collaborative Research: Framework for Better Visual Communication Practices.” Principal Investigator. Award Period: 2024–2027.
• NSF Grant #2219283 – “Collaborative Research: HNDS-I: Repository and Benchmarking Dashboard for Campus Climate Data on Sexual Misconduct.” Principal Investigator. Award Period: 2022–2025.

Webinars & Short Courses

• Better Practices of Data Visualization in Communicating Survey Data – AAPOR Webinar, October 2024. Link
• Discussion and Practical Application of Data Visualization Best Practices using Survey Data – UNC Odum Institute, February 2022.
• Discussion and Practical Application of Data Visualization Best Practices using Survey Data – UNC Odum Institute, April 2019.
• Creating Infographics and Fact Sheets: Tools, Resources, and the Design Process – Emory Centers Webinar, August 2019.
• Discussion and Practical Application of Data Visualization Best Practices – MAPOR Webinar Series, October 2019.
• Data Visualization for Survey Research – AAPOR Conference Short Course, May 2018.
• Data Visualization for Survey Research – ASA Kansas/Western Missouri Symposium, April. 2018
• Masterclass 2018: How to Apply Data Visualization Tools with Survey Research Data – The Research Society Webinar, August 2018.

Select Publications & Expert Contributions

• du Toit, N. "Ask the right questions to make the right data visualization." Web Blog Post June 2025
• du Toit, N., Lerner, J., Rice, K., Hofmann, H., & Mulrow, E. "Measuring how well U.S. adults understand data graphics using a nationally representative sample." AAPOR Annual Meetings 2024.
• Rice, K., Hoffman, H., du Toit, N., & Mulrow, E. "Testing perceptual accuracy in a U.S. general population survey using stacked bar charts." Journal of Data Science, 22(2), 280. DOI link
• Rice, K., Hoffman, H., & du Toit, N. "Testing charts for accuracy and interpretation." Roundtable, ASA Joint Statistical Meetings 2023.
• Rice, K., Hoffman, H., du Toit, N., & Mulrow, E. "Testing charts for accuracy and interpretation." Presentation at Symposium on Data Science and Statistics 2023.
• Sepulvado, B., Fordyce, E., Hansen, C., Christian, L. & du Toit, N. "Using NLP to Achieve a More Equitable and Inclusive Survey Design?." Presentation, SREE Annual Meeting 2023.
• Mulrow, E., & du Toit, N. "Visual communication of data." In Computational Statistics in Data Science, pp. 389–402. Wiley 2022. ISBN: 978-1-119-56107-1.
• Carr, D., du Toit, N., et al. "Innovative graphics for NCES online reports." Panel paper, NISS 2021. Report
• Mulrow, E., & du Toit, N. “Visual Communication of Data.” In Wiley StatsRef 2021. DOI link
• du Toit, N., & Mulrow, E. "Writing code is the easy part." Invited paper, ASA Joint Statistical Meetings 2021.
• du Toit, N. "A smorgasbord of data visualization methods." Discussant, ASA Joint Statistical Meetings 2021.
• du Toit, N., Arends, L., & Rice, K. "Teamwork makes the viz work." Good Tech Fest presentation 2021.
• du Toit, N., Titus, J., & Latterner, M. "The Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 Data Tool." APDU Conference 2021. Award presentation
• du Toit, N., Mulrow, E., et al. "Creating an interactive visualization of GSS data." JSM Proceedings 2020, 2166–2174.
• du Toit, N., & Mulrow, E. "Presenting uncertainty in graphical format." JSM Proceedings 2019, 1464–1478.
• Brummet, Q., Herman, P., et al. "Creating tract-level housing characteristics." Poster, JSM Data Expo 2019.
• du Toit, N., & Mulrow, E. “The Life-cycle of a Project.” Presentation, ASA CSP Annual Meeting 2018.
• du Toit, N., & Mulrow, E. “Do You Agree or Strongly Agree...” Presentation, AAPOR Annual Meeting 2017.
• du Toit, N., & Mulrow, E. “Good Old Excel.” Presentation, ASA CSP Annual Meeting 2017.

Awards & Honors

• Judge, SAID in Graphics Data Visualization Contest 2021, 2022 Contest Link
• Association of Public Data Users Data Viz Award 2021
• Survey Research Methods Section, Joint Statistical Meetings Poster Award 2019
• Population Association of America Poster Award 2009