Ropa Denga
About Ropa Denga
Ropa Denga is a Human Factors Scientist at Exponent, with a background in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. She has extensive research experience and has worked in various roles across notable organizations, including Microsoft and Apple.
Work at Exponent
Ropa Denga has been employed as a Human Factors Scientist at Exponent since 2022. In this role, she applies her expertise in cognitive science to analyze human behavior and improve product design. Her work involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and ensure that products meet the needs of diverse users. Based in Warrenville, Illinois, she contributes to various projects that require a deep understanding of human factors and usability.
Education and Expertise
Ropa Denga holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cognitive Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she studied from 2017 to 2022. She also earned a Master of Science (MS) in Cognitive Science from the same institution from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, she obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Computer Science from Spelman College, completing her studies from 2013 to 2017. Her educational background equips her with a strong foundation in both computer science and cognitive science.
Research Experience
Ropa Denga has over four years of research experience in cognitive science. During her time as a Doctoral Researcher and Lab Manager at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, she focused on designing experiments and analyzing data using tools such as E-Prime and PsychoPy. Her research includes presenting evidence on how item features influence student interaction with tools during reading tests. This experience has honed her skills in analyzing quantitative, qualitative, and behavioral data.
Previous Internships and Roles
Before her current position, Ropa Denga held various internships and roles that contributed to her expertise. She worked as a Summer Pre Doctoral Research Intern at Educational Testing Service (ETS) in 2018 and 2020, where she gained valuable research experience. Additionally, she completed internships at Microsoft in 2017, Apple in 2016, and Cummins Inc. in 2015. Her role as an Attache - Information Systems at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe in 2013 further diversified her professional background.
Skills and Communication
Ropa Denga possesses strong communication skills, developed through her experience working independently and in cross-functional teams. She effectively engages with various stakeholders, ensuring that project goals align with user needs. Her proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python enhances her ability to analyze complex data sets, making her a valuable asset in research and applied science settings.