Meet Our Team | Get to Know the Experts at Jumpseat Research

Our Team

Joe McDonald, PhD

CEO & Principal

Joe McDonald, PhD, is CEO and Principal at Jumpseat Research. With 10+ years of Human Factors and User Experience research in industry, government, and academia, Joe understands the importance of delivering quality, actionable research on realistic timelines.

Joe’s research experience spans hardware and software technologies from startups to Fortune 50’s, in verticals ranging from consumer products to transportation/aerospace to medical devices.

Joe holds an MS and PhD in Human Factors from Georgia Tech, has authored 17+ peer-reviewed papers and conference proceedings, holds 5+ patents for product usability, served as a Human Factors Expert Witness, and led training and workshops on Human Factors / Ergonomics for professional organizations and corporate clients.

Meghan Sellman

Office Manager

Meghan Sellman serves as the Office Manager at Jumpseat Research.

Meghan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Business Management from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, achieving this milestone a year ahead of schedule. Her educational journey has cultivated a profound interest in the realms of Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Human Resources, propelling her dedicated pursuit of a Master’s degree in these domains.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Meghan’s dynamic and engaging personality enhances her ability to coordinate and guide others effectively. With over 4 years of experience in operations and team management, her adept business management and leadership skills enable her to foster a productive and harmonious work environment at Jumpseat Research

Ava Diefenthaler

Administrative Assistant

Ava Diefenthaler is an Administrative Assistant at Jumpseat Research.

Ava is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in administrative support, project oversight, and exceptional customer relations. Her commitment to communication and transparency builds trust and rapport effortlessly, enhancing overall client and team experiences.

Ava earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management from Texas Tech University. Her expertise of 7 years in these areas highlight this dedication. Additionally, her keen interest in understanding the intricacies of processes align with her role at Jumpseat Research.

Michael Trevino

Field Researcher & Business Development

Michael Trevino serves as a Field Researcher at Jumpseat Research, specializing in military operations and business development initiatives.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Michael has earned numerous awards, including the Combat Action Badge, recognizing his leadership in high-stakes environments. He brings over 15 years of experience in tech startups, with a strong background in operations, account management, and business development. Michael holds a B.S. in Sports Medicine from Texas State University/American Military University and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Tyler.

He is passionate about applying his experience in the military, business, and academia to support mission-critical research. His practical insight and client-focused approach make him a trusted partner in advancing Jumpseat’s work in Human Factors.

Research Team

Our PhD researchers are professional, curious, humble, courteous, and focused; the kind of expert partner you need alongside you to make an impression and deliver data-driven results.

Their industry acumen means they speak your language, and can deliver real ROI. With Jumpseat researchers, you can rest assured that findings are defendable and presentations are impactful.