About the Upwork Research Institute

The world of work is not the same as it was just a few years ago and leaders are facing brand new challenges as a result. The old work playbook is gone, and in its place, there are debates and decisions around workforce location, worker arrangements, and flexibility. However, leaders do not need to navigate this new world of work on their own.

The Upwork Research Institute is committed to studying the fundamental shifts in the workforce and providing business leaders with the tools and insights they need to navigate the here and now while preparing their organization for the future. Using our proprietary platform data, global survey research, partnerships, and academic collaborations, we will produce evidence-based insights to create the blueprint for the new way of work.

Meet the Experts

Kelly Monahan, Ph. D.

Managing Director of the Research Institute

Open Bio

Dr. Monahan is Managing Director of the Upwork Research Institute, leading our future of work research program. Her research has been recognized and published in both applied and academic journals, including MIT Sloan Management Review and the Journal of Strategic Management. In 2018, Kelly released her first book, “How Behavioral Economics Influences Management Decision-Making: A New Paradigm” (Academic Press/Elsevier Publishers). In 2019, Kelly gave her first TedX talk on the future of work. Kelly is frequently quoted in the media on talent decision-making and the future of work. She also has written over a dozen publications and is a sought-after speaker on how to apply new management and talent models in knowledge-based organizations. Kelly holds a B.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology, an M.S. from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.

Ted Liu, Ph. D.

Research Manager

Open Bio

Dr. Liu is Research Manager at Upwork, where he focuses on how work and skills evolve in relation to technological progress such as artificial intelligence. He received his Ph. D. in economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Gabby Burlacu, Ph. D.

Senior Research Manager

Open Bio

Dr. Burlacu is Senior Research Manager at Upwork, where she studies how organizations are adjusting their cultures and talent practices to access skilled talent in a rapidly evolving world of work. Her research has been featured in a variety of peer-reviewed studies, articles, book chapters, and media outlets, and has informed strategy and technology development across a range of Fortune 500 companies. Gabby received her Ph. D. in industrial-organizational psychology from Portland State University.