BACKGROUND

Jessica’s multidisciplinary expertise bridges psychology, health, tech, and the creative arts. She brings a unique perspective to problem-solving across sectors that blends knowledge, innovation, and pragmatism to develop creative solutions.

A former U.S. Navy civilian scientist in human systems integration and engineering psychology, she helped address critical human factors challenges across programs and projects to improve the safety and wellbeing of sailors, optimize performance, and enhance operational readiness. More specifically, she focused on human-machine teaming research, trust and autonomy, human computer interaction for operators of unmanned and manned systems, and AI/ML for increased usability, safety, and performance.

She holds a PhD in Psychology, a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Information Technology. She also has certificates in Cybersecurity and User Experience (UX) and has been Security+ certified.

Jessica is a researcher exploring topics around the integration of immersive technologies to enhance therapeutic outcomes in public health, the impact of specific environments and content on perceptions, mood, and wellbeing, and the potential of immersive technologies as an adjunct to psilocybin and other psychedelic therapies.

Her work has been published in Frontiers in Psychology, with collaborations across healthcare, defense, and emerging technology sectors.

CREATIVE WRITING

Jessica is a fiction, memoir, and screenwriter as well as a poet. Her creative writing has appeared in more than twenty fine literary journals, including War, Literature, and the Arts, Word Riot, Red River Review, New Madrid, Conceptions Southwest, Malpais Review, and Stone Soup Magazine. She has earned recognition in national writing competitions, won genre contests, and was a Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Arts scholarship nominee for students with artistic or creative promise.

Her thriller screenplay, "Bound to Burn" was represented at the American Film Market in 2025. She has finished her first novel-length epic crime family thriller, "Blood Gilt" and is working on publication.

Expect future projects.

EDITORIAL WORK

Jessica has served as an editor, co-editor, and editorial assistant of several journals. The founding editor of Carbon Culture Review—a pioneering magazine that examined the intersection of technology and the arts during its successful run—Jessica continues to build on that legacy and champion projects that bridge creativity and innovation, including upcoming anthologies in this genre.

EDUCATOR

As an Assistant Professor, Jessica has taught courses in business and technical writing and plans to teach courses in human factors. Additionally, she develops courses around her areas of expertise.

CONSULTANT

Jessica helps organizations understand and optimize how people interact with complex systems—from AI interfaces, unmanned vehicles, biomedical devices to workplace technology—using evidence-based design, research methodology, and behavioral insights. She especially enjoys supporting startups that drive positive mental health outcomes, foster technological innovation, and/or champion women’s health.