I have a broad research background that has now spanned 3 divergent areas. As an Electrical Engineering graduate student, I studied electromagnetic wave propagation, and used computer programs and some nasty mathematics and physics to solve the equations that described the behavior of those waves. ...more

I have a broad research background that has now spanned 3 divergent areas. As an Electrical Engineering graduate student, I studied electromagnetic wave propagation, and used computer programs and some nasty mathematics and physics to solve the equations that described the behavior of those waves. After several years in industry as an RF designer and applications engineer, I returned to graduate school once again to study Neuroscience. In this field, my research involved the molecular & cell biology and genetics of the auditory system and brain. The goal of that research was to learn about the regulation of genes that are involved in hearing loss, as well as in normal auditory function. I've now "combined" those two areas of expertise, and am applying my research skills to the field of design research. In this position, I am investigating customer needs, exploring product design opportunities, and evaluating prototypes and products, using these insights to influence the development and enhancement of new and existing products. While quite different in its material nature from any of my previous research pursuits, it was the breadth of research methods from my background that enabled me to engage in this new challenge. Specialties: Design/User Research: in-depth interviews, lab studies, focus groups, site visits, cognitive walkthroughs.less