Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Brian McKenna is a highly experienced Senior Research Scientist in Human-Machine Interaction at the AI Division of the Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. With expertise in cognitive systems engineering, user experience strategy, and digital experience design, he is focused on advancing the field of human-AI interaction and driving innovative solutions that bridge the gap between humans and machines.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As a Senior Research Scientist at the Software Engineering Institute, Brian is responsible for leading cutting-edge research projects that explore the intersection of human factors, artificial intelligence, and user-centric design. He works closely with cross-functional teams to develop novel interaction models, evaluate the usability and effectiveness of AI-powered systems, and drive the adoption of human-centered principles in the development of intelligent technologies.
Career Progression
Throughout his distinguished career, Brian has held various leadership positions in the field of user experience and cognitive systems engineering. He has served as the Director of Customer Experience at Smith Micro Software, Director of Experience Design (US) at Ness Digital Engineering, User Experience Lead - VP Design at BNY Mellon, and Senior Digital Experience Designer at PNC. In these roles, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to craft innovative digital solutions, optimize user journeys, and drive measurable business impact.
Prior to his leadership roles, Brian gained valuable experience as a Cognitive Systems Engineer at Resilient Cognitive Solutions and ManTech, where he contributed to the development of advanced AI and machine learning systems. His early-career roles as a Graduate Assistant at Wright State University and a Lab Assistant at Purdue University further enhance his strong academic and research-oriented background.
Academic Background
Brian holds a Master's degree from Wright State University, where he specialized in Cognitive Systems Engineering. His academic achievements and research contributions have positioned him as a respected expert in the field of human-machine interaction and cognitive computing.
Areas of Expertise
- Human-Machine Interaction and User Experience Design
- Cognitive Systems Engineering and Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Experience Strategy and Optimization
- User Research and Usability Testing
- Cross-functional Collaboration and Project Management
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Brian has made significant contributions to the field of human-machine interaction and user-centric design. He has successfully led the development of award-winning digital experiences, implemented innovative user research methodologies, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to advance the state-of-the-art in AI-powered systems. His research and industry insights have been widely published and recognized, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Conclusion
With his exceptional background in cognitive systems engineering, user experience strategy, and digital design, Brian McKenna is poised to continue making valuable contributions to the AI Division at the Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. His deep understanding of human factors and his ability to bridge the gap between technology and user needs make him a valuable asset in the pursuit of enhancing the future of human-machine interaction.
