Dr. Francine Gemperle

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Biography

Francine Gemperle is a design strategist with extensive experience in user experience research, information architecture, and human-centered design. Over her 20-year career, she has led design teams in numerous companies, applying a variety of proven research methods to craft design inquiries that yield actionable insights. Gemperle has contributed to both academic and practical aspects of design, boasting more than nine patents and over 15 publications. She has exhibited and lectured her work globally, including her role as a faculty member in the Integrated Innovation Institute's Master of Design program at Carnegie Mellon University. Additionally, Gemperle works as a User Experience Researcher at Aurora Innovation. Formerly, she was associated with Seegrid, Uber, and MAYA Design, where she played key roles in design strategy and project management. An advocate of teaching and facilitation, she has developed resources like the Handbook for People Research to guide students in her classes.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Professor

— Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Teach courses in the Master of Design program and guide students in applied research methodologies.

User Experience Researcher

— Present

Aurora Innovation • Pittsburgh, PA

Conduct user experience research to inform design strategies for innovative automotive technologies.

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.