Company

Meet Our Team

At IAA, our team drives our commitment to excellence in human factors consulting. With a wealth of experience across diverse industries, each member brings unique insights and expertise that guide our innovative approach. Together, they foster a culture of collaboration and client-centric solutions. Explore their bios to learn more about the visionaries behind our success.

Read Bio

Anthony Andre, PhD

Director

Anthony Andre, PhD

Director

Anthony Andre received his Ph.D. in Engineering Psychology (Human Factors and Ergonomics) from the University of Illinois in 1991. He is also a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), recognized by the Board of Certification of Professional Ergonomists (BCPE). Dr. Andre has won awards for teaching, research, writing, presenting, designing, professional outreach, professional practice and service

In 1993, he founded Interface Analysis Associates (IAA), a Human Factors, Usability & Ergonomics consulting firm specializing in the design, analysis, risk management and usability testing of software/hardware user interfaces, computer input devices and ergonomic products, high-tech consumer products, software and Web applications, medical and life-saving devices, work environments and aerospace/automotive systems. 

Dr. Andre, along with his staff at IAA, has evaluated, usability tested and designed over 1,000 consumer products and human interface systems. IAA’s design of a bio-tech software application was voted the Best New Life Science Product in 2008. In 2009, IAA was the recipient of the User-Centered Design Award, given out by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. 

Prior to IAA, Dr. Andre was a Principal Scientist at NASA, where he headed the control/display evaluation laboratory and developed next-generation interfaces for aircraft cockpits and air traffic management systems.

As a co-founder of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Graduate Program at San Jose State University, Dr. Andre has served as an Adjunct Professor of Ergonomics and Human Factors in the departments of Psychology and Industrial & Systems Engineering since 1993. He teaches graduate seminars and courses on workplace ergonomics, cognitive engineering, engineering psychology, research methods, usability testing, human factors experiments and professional issues. 

In 2009, Dr. Andre was selected to receive the San Jose State University College of Engineering’s award for Outstanding Lecturer, given to only one adjunct faculty member each year in recognition of continuing excellence in teaching, service, and research that is above and beyond the expectations of their assignments. In 2023, Dr. Andre was recognized by the University for 30 years of service in both the Psychology and Industrial & Systems Engineering Departments (as part of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Graduate Program).

Dr. Andre also holds various professional positions. He is a Past President and Elected Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and a Fellow of the International Ergonomics Association.  He has founded two human factors/ergonomics conferences: Ergo-X and The International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care.   He is the current Editor in Chief of the journal “Human Factors in Healthcare,” published by Elsevier.

Dr. Andre is the author of over 120 publications and has presented numerous invited addresses, panel presentations, technical lectures and workshops and seminars on various human factors, usability and workplace ergonomics topics. 

Read Bio

Carson Whitaker

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Carson Whitaker

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Carson earned his Master of Science degree in Human Factors and Ergonomics from San Jose State University. He previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Certificate in Human Factors from the University of Utah. While at the University of Utah, Carson managed a team in the Applied Basic Cognition Lab, gaining hands-on experience in research and leadership. He is a strong advocate for user-centered design, emphasizing correct design principles, creative problem-solving, focused research, and data analysis. Carson joined IAA in 2013. Outside of work, he enjoys building projects with his hands and spending quality time with his family.

Read Bio

Margarita (Maggie) Cajina

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Margarita (Maggie) Cajina

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Maggie earned her Master of Science degree in engineering with a focus on Human Factors and Ergonomics from San Jose State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with a Certificate in Human Factors) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Utah, graduating in 2008. Before joining IAA, Maggie interned at NASA Ames Research Center, where she completed her thesis on the effects of automation levels and failure frequency on simulated lunar lander performance. This work was featured in the 2014 IEEE Aerospace Conference Proceedings. In addition to her technical expertise, Maggie has experience in Sales and Marketing and is fluent in Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys attending Giants games and running half marathons.

Read Bio

Margot Helm

Human Factors Engineer

Margot Helm

Human Factors Engineer

Margot earned a Master of Science in Human Factors and Ergonomics from San Jose State University in May 2022. She joined Interface Analysis Associates in January 2022, focusing on usability research and applying perceptual, cognitive, and ergonomic principles to the design and evaluation of medical devices and digital health systems. Before transitioning to human factors, Margot specialized in developing, optimizing, and validating analytical methodologies for oncology pharmaceuticals. She also trained analysts in cGMP laboratory practices. Margot holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from Wellesley College and has been an active member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society since 2020.

Read Bio

Andy Le

Human Factors Engineer

Andy Le

Human Factors Engineer


Andy graduated from San Jose State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and earned a Master of Science in Human Factors and Ergonomics from the same institution in 2018. While at San Jose State, Andy was a research assistant at the Mark Van Selst Lab, where he researched the effects of alcohol and stress on cognitive performance.  He joined IAA in 2017.

Read Bio

Andrea Heine

Human Factors Engineer

Andrea Heine

Human Factors Engineer

Andrea graduated from San Jose State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Professional Technical Writing. She earned her Master of Science in Human Factors and Ergonomics from San Jose State University in 2023.

Before joining IAA in 2019, Andrea worked as a Research Assistant at the VECTR (Virtual Environments, Cognition, and Training Research) Lab.

Read Bio

Jeana Nishihara

Office Manager and Recruiting Manager

Jeana Nishihara

Office Manager and Recruiting Manager

Jeana has been with IAA since 2012, leading the patient recruitment team to ensure all studies are filled with qualified participants. She also serves as the office manager.

Jeana holds certifications in nursing and human resources management. Before joining IAA, she spent 20 years as Corporate Services Director at Marketshare, Inc., overseeing the Accounting and Administration departments.

In her spare time, Jeana enjoys crafting, volunteering, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Read Bio

Clarissa Reilly

Senior Recruiter and Event Coordinator

Clarissa Reilly

Senior Recruiter and Event Coordinator

Clarissa joined Interface Analysis Associates in January 2015 as a Recruiter and Events Coordinator. Before joining IAA, she gained over five years of experience in customer service and business administration. In her free time, Clarissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, planning events, and cheering on the 49ers and the San Jose Sharks.

Read Bio

Gabrielle Lete

Receptionist and Study Recruiter

Gabrielle Lete

Receptionist and Study Recruiter

Gabrielle graduated from University of California-Irvine and holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Additionally, she earned a California Direct Support Professional Certification. Prior to joining IAA in 2023, Gabrielle was a Direct Support Professional with G&B Residential Services, Inc. where she provided high-quality care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Read Bio

Victor Rincon

Senior Audio-Visual Engineer and Computer Technician

Victor Rincon

Senior Audio-Visual Engineer and Computer Technician

Vic has been with IAA since 2014, bringing extensive knowledge and experience with a variety of technical and mechanical equipment. Before joining IAA, he worked for Sanmina-SCI, Bay Area Labels, and Heritage Global Partners in the Bay Area. Vic studied Psychology and Criminal Justice at DeAnza College. In his free time, he enjoys art, audio projects, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and finding creative ways to combine these passions.