A curious and analytical researcher with a knack for data-informed designing. Currently, a Lead UX Researcher at Level Access, the largest company in the world focused on digital accessibility.
I studied Design Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, where my projects in human-computer interaction, explainable AI, and natural language processing have deepened my understanding of how to make AI systems trustworthy and human-centred.
As a researcher, I work at the intersection of Product Research and Data Science, using various analytics methods to understand user perceptions, needs & behaviours, to identify opportunities for products and services that users love and that are aligned to business objectives.
I work with agency and urgency, and thrive in cross-functional teams collaborating on creative challenges.
CURRENT
Lead UX Researcher - Level Access
Innovation Consultant - Innolead EdgeX
Active Contributor - CDL AI Reading Group
‘What we owe the future’ - William MacAskill
‘God, Human, Animal, Machine’ - Meghan O’Gieblyn
Active Contributor - TIE Study
PREVIOUS
XAI Researcher - VisHub Lab
Lead UX Researcher - Portex
Data Analyst - SAP
Business Analyst - Emerald Health
Design Researcher - SPIN Lab
Ambassador - UoE Chevening
Ambassador - UBC MCF
Mentor - UBC Cognitive Systems Program
AWARDS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Speaker - UX Research Empowerment (2024)
Speaker - Women in Tech Regatta (2024)
Award - Level Access: ‘User whisperer’ (2024)
Award - Level Access: ‘Be the Change, Boldly Go’ (2024)
Speaker - Level Access: JTBD for business impact (2023)
Award - Level Access: ‘Rockstar Leveler’ (2023)
Presentation - CHI Human-Centred Explainable AI (2022)
Presentation - UBC Designing for People showcase (2022)
Presentation - ETH AI Center: Biases in ML Workflow (2022)
Contestant - Service Design Challenge (2021)
Facilitator - Women Deliver (2019)
Speaker - Young Africa Works Strategy (2018)
Scholarship award - Chevening (2020-21)
Scholarship award - Mastercard (2013-17)
“When the product team has a complex problem to solve Tamara is the person that we trust to dive in deep and take care of it. Her attention to detail for research methods and ability to ask all the right questions is giving the company the information we need to pursue solutions. Tamara is a master at communicating research findings succinctly and in an action oriented way. Her research has been instrumental to getting cross-functional teams on the same page about who our customers are, what their needs are and what the accessibility journey and experience is at Level Access. Professionally, Tamara is a great team player who gives constructive feedback and consistently suggests ways to improve how we work. As a person, she is a pleasure to work with - personable and very kind!”
Andrew Chung, Chief Product Officer at Level Access
“Tamara’s product research has been instrumental in guiding the product team with actionable insights. Most recently, her work on enterprise reporting provided clear evidence that helped the team move forward with confidence. In addition, Tamara consistently shares valuable customer insights during monthly meetings, helping to foster a more customer centric mindset across the entire Product organization. Her expertise and dedication are truly indispensable to both the team and the company.”
Julie Lee, Director of Product Research and Design at Level Access
“Tamara leads by example by bringing the team and company values to light whenever needed. She is a torch bearer of the user-centred values to the Design Team, using her capabilities and intelligence at the right place and time. Tamara functions completely autonomously and completes duties above expectations. Most notably, her rigorous foundational research has explored the applications of AI/ ML as they relate to accessibility.”
Swapnali Thakar, Director of UX Research and Design at Level Access
“She's a boss! Tamara is always there to support us to be the best research-driven product team. Her curiosity also drives her to ask us awesome questions to make sure that we are on the right track when uncovering user needs. She is a delight to work with! ”
Product Team at Level Access
“I had the pleasure of working closely with Tamara at Emerald. Tamara is bright, purposeful and highly motivated. She was quick to understand what was being asked, and always delivered a high quality product within the established timeframe. And on top of it all, she was a pleasure to work with, displaying a keen sense of humour, and a strong interest in her colleagues and the world around her.”
Gillian Vandermirsh, PhD, Director of NPD at Emerald Health