Celeste Buckhalter

Celeste Buckhalter has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of UX research. Celeste is currently the Director of UX Research at Applause, where they lead a team and develops research strategies for various industries such as eCommerce, healthcare, financial services, gaming, and entertainment, and travel. Prior to this, Celeste worked as a Lead UX Researcher at Applause, where they focused on team leadership, client strategy, and leading complex collaborative research studies. Celeste has also served as a UX Research Manager at AliveCor Inc. and a Lead UX/CX Researcher at Applause/uTest. Celeste has gained experience in UX research at companies like AT&T, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Delta Air Lines, and Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g). Celeste started their career as a Music Educator at Berkeley Lake Elementary School & Campbell Elementary School. Celeste possesses expertise in various research methodologies such as qualitative research, generative studies, evaluative studies, remote unmoderated and moderated studies, longitudinal studies, diary studies, and competitive studies.

Celeste Buckhalter completed their Bachelor's degree in Music Education with a minor in psychology at The University of Southern Mississippi from 1995 to 2000. Celeste then pursued a Master's degree in Human Computer Interaction with a psychology track at the Georgia Institute of Technology from 2005 to 2007. In 2004, they attended The University of Georgia for Instructional Design & Technology without completing a degree. Celeste Buckhalter has also obtained several certifications, including "Design for the 21st Century with Don Norman (Best in Class Distinction)" from The Interaction Design Foundation in March 2023, "How to Design Engaging Products: Insights from Fortnite's UX" from the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) in February 2023, and "The Humanity-Centered Masterclass" from HmntyCntrd® in February 2023. Additionally, they have completed certifications in Product Management & Marketing, Workplace Mental Health, and Fostering Psychological Safety & Belonging on Teams from Udemy in 2022 and 2021. It is also mentioned that they have a certification in "21st Century Design with Don Norman" from the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF), but the specific month and year are not provided.