Robert Gutzwiller, PhD
Arizona State University
Associate Professor of Human Systems Engineering
PhD, Cognitive Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 2014
MS, Cognitive Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 2011
BS, Psychology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 2008
Robert is a scientific leader in applying human factors science to some of the hardest problems in national security. Trained as a cognitive psychologist, he studies how people attend, decide, trust and collaborate in complex technological environments, translating those insights into practical advances in systems engineering and design, artificial intelligence, human-systems integration, and cybersecurity. He has led more than $12 million in competitive research programs sponsored by DARPA, IARPA, the Office of Naval Research, and the Department of Defense and has authored 70+ scientific peer-reviewed publications. One of his proudest accomplishments is having co-authored a core text in the field - Applied Attention Theory (2nd Edition).
Robert continues to derive immense joy and meaning from professional service and the fruitful mentorship of other scientists and engineers. Outside of work, Robert enjoys being a step-father and husband, practicing Pilates, spending time in the gym and racing road bikes as an elite Category 2 racer for the Primal Audi-Denver cycling team.
Key HFES Service
Over the past 15+ years, he has served HFES in numerous leadership roles, including:
- Founding Chair of the Cybersecurity Technical Group
- Elected Chair of the Council of Technical Groups
- Elected for Editorial board service for all three flagship HFES journal publications
- Conference leadership roles, including cyber program leadership for multiple years of the ErgoX conference
- Consistent reviewer, judge, and volunteer for the conference and journals, including Best Human Factors Journal Paper, Best JCEDM paper, Best Student Paper, TG student grant programs and various TG awards.
Campaign Statement
I believe HFES is greatest when its members have a clear voice in its direction, and I am seeking a seat on the Executive Council to help strengthen that connection between leadership and membership. My promises are simple: to listen broadly, to represent members faithfully, and to ensure HFES remains the leading home for HF/E professionals. I will advocate for: (1) A stronger member voice for major society decisions and long-term planning; (2) Continuous improvement of the annual meeting experience, and specifically transparent assessment of conference processes - and how leadership addresses member feedback, (3) Greater engagement with adjacent disciplines and organizations and other communities working on human-centered technology, (4) A thoughtful re-examination of member engagement and participation, ensuring HFES remains welcoming, relevant, and valuable across careers and career stages, and (5) Greater transparency, communication, and accountability between the Executive Council and the membership it serves. I will actively seek input from members throughout my term and work to represent the broad range of perspectives that make HFES such a vibrant community.