Ben Alfonsin, Ph.D.
Info        Work       


ABOUT ME


Hi, I’m Ben — a UX Researcher with an interest in improving health outcomes through engaging, human-centered design.

I hold a Ph.D. in Media and Communication with a concentration in UX Research from Texas Tech University, where I led usability research at the Innovation Diffusion Lab and contributed to AI-driven public health projects in the Safety, Human Factors, and Resilience Engineering Lab. My academic work focused on how gamification and AI can motivate positive behavioral change.
Since 2020, I’ve worked at the intersection of health, gamification, and technology. I’ve partnered with local gaming companies like Mad Hatter’s House of Games, and I have been recognized by my institution for my commitment to innovative media scholarship. I also created and successfully launched a sold-out tabletop game: Terms & Conditions Fae Apply.

Outside of work, I stay active by weightlifting, making music, and diving into story-driven RPGs. I’m also learning Japanese and regularly support the local arts community by participating in exhibitions at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.

EXPERIENCE


🎓 EDUCATION
Texas Tech University

Ph.D. Media & Communication
UX Research Specialization
2022-2025


Texas Tech University
M.A. Communication Studies
2020-2022

Texas Tech University
B.A. Communication Studies
2016-2020
🏢 WORK
Texas Tech University

Graduate Researcher

2021-2025

Texas Tech University
Graduate Instructor
2020-2024

Texas Tech University
Community Advisor
2017-2020