Ariel Ketcherside Ragan

About Ariel Ketcherside Ragan

My name is Ariel, and people are my super power. As a cognitive neuroscientist, I have dedicated my career to understanding and optimizing how people perceive and interact with their environment. My particular expertise lies in reward-based decision making, mixed-methods data analysis, and statistical modeling of cognitive and behavior states. As a mixed-methods user experience researcher, I evaluate ideals for, and limitations of human performance in any given user journey. I then apply statistical and UX models to discover insights about consumer behavior and customer experiences to drive business outcomes. Furthermore, after evaluating UX in the context of expert witness/litigation support for worst-case scenarios, I have first-hand experience in the importance of risk management practices and the implementation thereof. This allows my team to focus on best research, design, and business outcomes while mitigating risk and building an equitable experience for all users. As a leader and team player, I operate on the principle that a rising tide lifts all boats. To keep that tide rising for my team, I work behind the scenes to establish a scaffolding of trust, empathy, intellectual curiosity, and professional growth so that we can push the status quo and build the most-loved products for our customers, together.

Experience

1. Cx Research

   Baylor Scott & White Health

   Jul 2025 — Present

Education

• The University of Texas at Dallas

  Master of Science - MS

  2012 — 2014

• The University of Texas at Dallas

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

  2012 — 2017

• University of Pennsylvania

  Postdoctoral Fellow

  2017 — 2019

• Austin College

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

  2006 — 2010