Ben Alfonsin

About Me

ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Ben — a UX professional with an interest in improving product development through engaging, human-centered design.

I hold a Ph.D. in Media and Communication with a concentration in User Experience from Texas Tech University, where I conducted UX research and design at the Innovation Diffusion Lab and Safety, Human Factors, and Resilience Engineering Lab. Most of this work involved the development of AI tools related to search, voice, and translation capabilities.

Since 2020, I’ve worked at the intersection of research and design. I’ve partnered with local 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 successfully created, launched, and sold my own game using UX research and design: Terms & Conditions Fae Apply.

Outside of work, I stay active by weightlifting and making music. I’m also studying for the Japanese-Language Procifiency Test (JLPT) 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
User Experience 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
Researcher
2021-2025

Simple Interact
Intern
2024

Texas Tech University
Instructor
2020-2024

DTUAV (Formerly DroneTech UAV)
Intern
2018

Texas Tech University
Community Advisor
2017-2020