De Jose Navarro
Consumer Psychology · UX Research · PhD Applicant, Fall 2027
Consumer awareness of persuasion is supposed to restore autonomy. But when identity is at stake, awareness often isn't enough. I study how identity-based motivations interact with that awareness—and what ethical marketing design might look like in light of it.
Persuasion knowledge · Identity-congruent consumption · Transformative Consumer Research · Ethical marketing design
RESEARCH & PROJECTS
GoodGesture — UX Researcher
Remote · June 2026 – Present
Conducting qualitative user research for a community mutual aid platform launching in Portland in 2026. Work spans user interviews and usability testing with neighbors, nonprofits, and mutual aid organizations—synthesizing findings into design recommendations and mapping user journeys across requester and supporter personas.
A research-grounded mobile app concept connecting socially isolated adults to local peer support. Designed around cognitive load reduction, consent-first onboarding, and stigma-free language—drawing on public health and psychology literature from Harvard MCC, NAMI, WHO, and research on stigma and cognitive load theory.
Breathing as a Barrier to Inhibitory Control
University of British Columbia · 2025
A controlled experiment testing whether psychological stress—operationalized as forced heavy breathing via metronome—impairs inhibitory control as measured by Stroop interference (n = 30). The treatment group completed a 20-second forced-breathing protocol before the Stroop task; the control group breathed normally. Results supported the hypothesis: the breathing manipulation significantly increased Stroop interference, consistent with prior literature on stress and cognitive performance.
REX Lab — Digital Support for Vulnerable Populations
University of British Columbia · 2025–2026
A qualitative HCI study investigating how digital technology can facilitate emotional support for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges. Conducted expert interviews with HCI specialists as part of a multi-phase research project. Completed the data collection phase before the project concluded.
EDUCATION
SKILLS
Western Washington University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Expected Summer 2027 · Bellingham, WA
Bellevue College
Associate of Arts and Sciences
Spring 2026 · High Distinction · GPA 3.88
University of British Columbia
Attended 2025–2026 · Vancouver, BC
Research methods: user interviews, usability testing, controlled experiments, qualitative analysis, behavioral data analysis.
Design: Figma, Framer, Canva.
Writing: APA style, academic and technical writing.
Software: SPSS (foundational), Microsoft Office.
University of Toronto Mississauga International Scholar Award - Competitive merit-based scholarship offer · Up to $100,000 CAD · 2025