Valerie Fenster
About Valerie Fenster
Valerie Fenster is the Director of Packaging and Human Factors Engineering at Akero Therapeutics, with extensive experience in user experience and human factors across various industries. She has held significant roles at companies such as DIRECTV, Citibank, and St. Jude Medical, and has received recognition for her contributions to accessibility and usability in design.
Work at Akero Therapeutics
Valerie Fenster serves as the Director of Packaging and Human Factors Engineering at Akero Therapeutics, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she focuses on the integration of user-centered design principles into the packaging and engineering processes. Her work aims to enhance the usability and accessibility of therapeutic products, contributing to the overall mission of the organization in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area.
Previous Experience in UX and Human Factors
Prior to her current role, Valerie Fenster worked as a UX Consultant and Lead in Research Operations at DIRECTV from 2011 to 2012. She also held the position of Director of Insights and Human Factors at Kaleidoscope Innovation and Product Design from 2018 to 2021. Additionally, she served as a Senior Human Factors Design Engineer at St. Jude Medical from 2005 to 2011, where she received the Medical Design Excellence Award for her contributions.
Education and Expertise
Valerie Fenster holds a Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University, which she completed in 2012. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from California State University, Northridge. Her expertise includes developing user interfaces for public kiosks and ATMs, emphasizing accessibility and usability across various sectors.
Achievements and Patents
Valerie Fenster has made significant contributions to the field of user experience and human factors. She holds a patent for Citibank's Americans with Disabilities Touch Screen ATM, reflecting her commitment to accessibility in financial services. Additionally, she has a pending patent for IVR Patient Reminder Calls with St. Jude Medical. Her work has also contributed to the development of Bank of America's Easiest to Use Online Banking site, recognized by PC Magazine.
Career at Citibank
Valerie Fenster worked at Citibank as Vice President of Tools & Prototyping from 1989 to 1995. During her tenure, she focused on enhancing user experience and accessibility in financial services, contributing to the development of innovative tools and prototypes that improved customer interactions.