I love how humans interact with the world. Understanding how we do this and the factors that influence this ability is a primary aim of the research I conduct for my clients. This research consists of observing people, conducting heuristic evaluations, or designing and conducting complex multifactorial multidisciplinary studies. I love the process of discovery.
My love of discovery permeates all aspects of my life. I have designed, built, and still race vintage cars. I enjoy the process of understanding the fundamental and advanced techniques of racing, using data acquisition systems to improve chassis performance and suspension vehicle dynamics, and applying proven racing techniques.
The process of discovery and research can be complicated, but understanding the complexities and translating that into great, easy to use, and safe products for clients is thrilling to me.
A Few Facts About Me
Favorite Researchers
Alan Turing, whose relatively unknown status has had such a marked impact on our lives. Carl Sagan, who interpreted complex scientific theories into an easily understood language. The toiling graduate student who makes a discovery that can improve our lives.
Favorite Technology
Cell phones because they have almost singularly changed how many humans interact with the world. Traditionally disparate activities have been amalgamated into and accessed through a single portal. In may ways, our personal and professional lives now revolve around this deceivingly simple device.
Favorite Cars
There are so many beautiful cars but if forced to name a few I would say Austin Healey 100/4 (with windshield down), Maserati Ghibli (1970-ish), Porsche 908 (long tail), and the spectacular Mercedes Benz 300 SLR.
Favorite Books
The Jungle – Upton Sinclair
Critique of Pure Reason – Immanuel Kant
Find Me
At my office, my garage, or on my bike in pedaling nirvana.
Career History
Director, Center for Transportation Safety (September 2023 – present).
Assistant Director, Center for Transportation Safety (June 2023 – August 2023)
Manager, Human Factors Program (October 2013 – April 2024), Center for Transportation Safety, College Station, TX and Austin, TX
Director, Human Factors Interdisciplinary Research in Simulation and Transportation [HumanFIRST] Program (March 2008 – October 2013)
Research Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering (December 2008 – October 2013)
Research Associate, Mechanical Engineering (July 2002 – March 2008) Department of Mechanical Engineering, Minneapolis, MN
Associate Research Scientist Human Factors Program (August 1998 – July 2002), Center for Transportation Safety, College Station, TX
User Interface Designer, User Interface Design Team (April 1997 – August 1998), American Express Financial Advisors, Minneapolis, MN
Educational Background
Doctorate of Philosophy (1997), Human Factors and Ergonomics/Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
My research examined the endogenous and exogenous factors influencing driver visual perception.
Master of Science (1992), Kinesiology/Human Motor Learning and Control, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.
My work examined how athletes used concurrent feedback to improve high level skills. The work formed the basis of later work examining how drivers acquired safety critical driving skills.
Bachelor of Science (1990), Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI.
The area of study was an integration between the fields of health psychology and health promotion/wellness.