Our Team

Leadership

Joe McDonald - Research 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.

Dominique's profile

Dominique Engome Tchupo, PhD

Sr HF Researcher & BDM

Dominique Engome Tchupo, PhD, is a Senior Human Factors Researcher at Jumpseat Research.  

Dominique has over 6 years of industry and academic experience in Human Factors and User Experience research. Her industry experience spans both the consumer tech and healthcare industries.  

Having moved often and lived in various countries growing up, Dominique brings a consideration for diversity. Her academic background of utilizing computer science tools to understand team behavior lent her both strong quantitative and qualitative skills.  

Dominique has a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, has authored several peer-reviewed papers and conference proceedings, and has led a course in Human Factors and Ergonomics at URI.

Meghan Grad

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

Ava Diefenthaler

Administrative Assistant

Ava Diefenthaler is an Administrative Assistance 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.

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.