VP RESEARCH & DESIGN

I am the Vice President of Research & Design at Amplinate. In that role I partner with a set of world-class researchers and designers fulfilling the company mission to promote cross-cultural understanding for our clients. Our work is about enabling authentic human connection and amplifying what resonates for people. We apply Design Thinking and Inclusive Design practices along with creative research approaches to help our clients think globally and in particular to attend to marginalized, underheard voices.

Prior to Amplinate I worked in Silicon Valley before joining Microsoft. Within various incarnations of Office, Office 365, and Microsoft 365 - including client, web, and mobile software and services - I took on various roles in product research as an individual contributor and as a team leader. I also worked as a Program Manager in Excel, a Product Planner for Microsoft Office, a Market Researcher on technical products/audiences, and led a number of cross-company initiatives.

VP CLIENT ENGAGEMENT

Julie is the Vice President of Global Client Engagement at Amplinate. With over 20 years of experience in research spanning academic, clinical, and user-centered domains, she brings a rich background to her role. After earning her doctorate in 2008, she has dedicated her career to merging psychological insights with user experience, driving ethical research practices across diverse cultures and markets.

At Amplinate, Julie specializes in UX research and excels in client engagement, utilizing her expertise to foster strong, collaborative relationships with clients across various industries. She is adept at understanding client needs and translating them into actionable insights, ensuring that every project aligns with both user expectations and business objectives. Her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively allows her to build trust and rapport with stakeholders at all levels.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Julie enjoys skiing, scuba diving, and spending time at the beach with her husband and their two dogs, a golden retriever and a golden doodle, in sunny San Diego, California.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCH STRATEGIST

Montine Rummel is an experienced UX researcher and manager with over 15 years of expertise in developing user-centered solutions across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and government. Her deep knowledge of human-centered design has allowed her to guide teams in creating products that are both innovative and accessible.

In recent years, Montine has focused on exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into existing products. She has led numerous projects at Amplinate and Microsoft, where she worked on incorporating AI into user experiences, ensuring that these technologies not only meet business goals but also enhance user satisfaction.

Her work on MyAnalytics and Workplace Analytics at Microsoft, which laid the foundation for Microsoft Viva, exemplifies her ability to bridge AI advancements with practical user needs.

Montine holds a Master’s degree in Human-Centered Design & Engineering from the University of Washington in Seattle, along with a certificate in User-Centered Design. She also holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Arizona, which has honed her skills as an effective writer and communicator.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCH STRATEGIST

Katie has over a decade of mixed methods research experience and expertise in developing technology across sectors, including Big Tech, Social Media, Nonprofit, and Healthcare. This expertise helps her create human-centered, inclusive tech that has positive social and business impact.

As AI innovation and development has accelerated in recent years, she has led numerous studies in this area. Her experience ranges from conducting foundational research on AI attitudes and perceptions and the human problems that AI might solve, to research aimed at refining existing AI-powered products to better meet user needs and improve the quality, safety, and ethics of user interactions.

Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology and Global Health from Northwestern University and a Masters Degree in Public Health, with a specialization in Behavioral Science and Health Communications, from Emory University.

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Kyle has a decade of experience managing projects and teams both little and large, and a deep understanding of how research fits into product development lifecycles. 

With a BS in Computational Media from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Kyle developed the expertise to analyze, design, and build digital technology solutions for modern needs. Through six years of experience within Microsoft, he honed the skills necessary to manage massive international projects and keep stakeholders aligned along the way. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Kyle excels at strategizing planning and communication channels to maximize team productivity. 

Years of running user research studies and leveraging them to inform product development decisions has provided Kyle with a nuanced appreciation for the importance of user research and the key ingredients for a successful study. 

RESEARCHER II

With a background spanning both the tech industry and nonprofit sector, LaToya brings a unique perspective to their work. This diverse experience enables them to bridge the gap between technological advancement and social impact, ensuring that innovations serve the needs of all users.

Most recently, LaToya has focused on the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. They have led projects comparing various AI tools currently on the market, delving into user needs and expectations around generative AI, and collaborating with clients to develop AI technologies that are accessible and beneficial to diverse user groups. Throughout each project, LaToya remains committed to inclusive design and ethical technology development.

They hold dual Bachelor's degrees in Government and English from Georgetown University, as well as a Master's degree in Education Policy and Leadership from American University.

DESIGN RESEARCHER II

Miriam is a UX researcher with experience across a range of startups in the Bay Area, spanning sectors such as tech, finance, education and healthcare. She has extensive experience working on projects that demand deep empathy, particularly with sensitive topics and minority groups.

Her research has spanned multiple countries and markets, with a strong focus on the U.S. and Brazil. Passionate about learning and cultural understanding, Miriam is dedicated to integrating diverse perspectives into the research process to enhance outcomes and drive meaningful impact.

Miriam’s research recommendations are also informed by her background in interaction design, shaped by her work with big tech companies as clients.

She holds a Master's degree in International Studies with a focus on Gender Equality and Equity from the University of San Francisco, after working with translation for years.