Laura L. Downey, Ph.D. resident of Fairfax, was recently honored at the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards ceremony held at NSU’s Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie, Fla. The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award represents the highest and most prestigious honor that NSU bestows upon its graduates. The program recognizes alumni who have demonstrated impressive success in a particular profession, discipline, organization or community cause.
Dr. Downey, class of 2015 from NSU’s College of Engineering and Computing, is chief of applied architecture at the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, where her work in systems, applications, information/data, security, and networking helps support national transportation safety. With a doctoral degree from NSU in information systems, Dr. Downey has more than 20 years of experience as a senior researcher and technology professional. Her expertise and research focus on human-computer interaction (HCI), user experience (UX), and using technology to promote well-being.
Dr. Downey has published in national and international journals and magazines, technical reports, and book contributions. She served as an associate editor at the Journal of Usability Studies. She is active in the HCI/UX community in conference leadership, review roles, and supporting women in technology initiatives. Dr. Downey received a Master of Science in Computer Science in 1997 from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Information and Computer Science in 1993 from Hood College.
“There are many ways to determine the value of a university,” said Dr. George Hanbury, President and CEO of Nova Southeastern University. “Honorees like Dr. Downey make us proud by what they have brought to communities across the country and around the world after graduating from NSU.”
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