Hello!

I have over 10 years of experience conducting user research, managing distributed mixed-method teams, and informing the development of global products and services. I have a BA in Philosophy from Reed College and an MLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Previously, I led the Firefox User Research Team.

My core competencies include defining organizational standards and processes for high-quality research, building inclusive and effective mixed-method teams, fostering a culture of cross-functional openness and collaboration, and increasing the reach and impact of research in fast-paced, distributed organizations. I have been recognized as one of Chicago's Tech 50 by Crain's and one of Chicago's People of the Year by the Chicago Reader for my contributions to the local and global UX community. I am passionate about understanding the complexity of culture, context, and relationships in markets around the world, and using research to shape the future of the web.

As Principal Researcher at Mozilla, I lead research on competition and policy issues that affect the internet and the people who use it. Recent research has explored how design frictions like browser choice screens can improve transparency and give people meaningful agency over their software choices.

Interested in working together? Please get in touch!

gemmapetrie AT gmail.com