Tanisha Smith

About Tanisha Smith

I’m a design and technical program leader with over a decade of experience shaping human-centered AI systems and complex digital products across healthcare, research, and mission-driven environments.I currently serve as a Technical Manager in the Software Engineering Institute’s Artificial Intelligence Division at Carnegie Mellon University, where I lead multidisciplinary teams spanning UX design, human–machine interaction, applied AI/ML, and advanced computing. My role includes guiding design direction, facilitating design reviews, mentoring designers and researchers, and partnering with engineers to ensure systems are usable, trustworthy, and aligned with real operational needs.My work sits at the intersection of design, research, engineering, and strategy. I collaborate closely with stakeholders and executive leaders to shape experience and product roadmaps, define requirements, and prioritize design decisions using user insight, usability evaluation, and systems thinking.Previously at UPMC, I led end-to-end UX and product design for AI- and data-driven healthcare systems, working directly with users to understand technical and operational pain points and guiding interaction design, workflows, and visual direction. Earlier in my career, I built a foundation in visual communication and experience design, including work with The Walt Disney Company, which continues to inform my approach to clarity, craft, and consistency.I’m motivated by building responsible, human-centered systems and helping teams navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

Experience

1. Technical Manager

   Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University

   Jul 2020 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   As a Technical Manager (TM) at SEI\'s Artificial Intelligence Division, I manage Advanced Computing, Human-Machine Interaction, Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning teams. I partner with research leaders, development teams, and customers to evaluate technology and develop operational and technological solutions. Lead multidisciplinary teams across UX design, human–machine interaction, applied AI/ML, and engineering supporting mission-critical systems.Guide UX strategy and design direction for complex AI-enabled systems, ensuring usability, trust, and alignment with real-world constraints.Facilitate design critiques and reviews, mentoring designers and researchers on interaction patterns, workflows, and system-level decisions.Partner with executive stakeholders to translate emerging research into clear experience strategies and operational concepts.Establish repeatable discovery, requirements, and design workflows that improve consistency and delivery at scale.

Education

• Carnegie Mellon University

  Master of Science - MS, Human Computer Interaction

• La Roche University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Design and Visual Communications, General

  2005 — 2007

• Robert Morris University

  Master of Science - MS, Internet & Mobile Information Systems

  2009 — 2011

• Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

  Chief Digital Officer Certification, Information Technology

• Bradford School

  Associate of Science - AS, Business Administration, Management and Operations

  2003 — 2004