Alaina is a cognitive psychologist who transitioned into the field of UX in 2015. She has a well-established background in human behavior and her theoretical orientation is grounded in Gestalt psychology and cognitive aging. Her research projects have centered around visual processing and attention, cognitive aging, and universal design. Her publications include her master’s thesis work on transit maps in the Encyclopedia of Human Behavior: Environmental Cognition (See Sterns & Sterns) and her dissertation work “Global Precedence & Aging: Evidence of Parallel Processing” which explores visual attention and aging. Currently, she teaches undergraduate psychology courses for Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio and graduate studies for New York University Steinhardt in the Department of Applied Psychology. Additionally, she is a UX Researcher for Normal Modes LLC, and serves as board member for UXPA Cleveland.