McDERA Leadership Profiles
Richard G. McCowen, Ph.D. - CEO, Head of Development
Since 1994, Dr. McCowen has been creating innovative web applications and database solutions for government and industry. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, where he participated in research in Virtual Reality and computer-based tutorial systems. Dr. McCowen went on to earn his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Memphis in Memphis, TN, where he conducted numerous research projects in the areas of human-computer interaction, computer-based human factors, web-based instruction, multimedia tutorial systems, and wide-deployment behavioral assessment systems. During graduate school, he founded PsychTech, Inc., a web-based psychological instrumentation firm.
Dr. McCowen currently directs a grant through The University of Memphis from the the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office. This grant is centered around Dr. McCowen's web-based software package, the DUI Tracker. This behaviorally-centered tracking system monitors many variables from DUI cases and helps law enforcement officials keep the roads safe by effectively detecting and prosecuting DUI offenders. Dr. McCowen has given presentations on the national level regarding DUI case data managment and psychological data tracking.
In 2007, Dr. McCowen, along with Jared Rawlinson, a top designer, started McDERA, LLC, with one single purpose: Create web applications that set a new standard for top-tier web applications. With Dr. McCowen's background in accessible technology and human factors, along with Mr. Rawlinson's cutting edge designs, McDERA is leading the industry in innovating custom solutions that exceed the standards of today to meet the demands of tomorrow.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Association for Computing Machinery
- Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society