In the biopharma industry, we often focus on scientific research and research methodologies. However, software design and usability is also vital in translating complex data and technologies into accessible and user-friendly solutions.

Today we’d like to introduce you to our lead UI/UX designer, Evelyn Haupt.

What career did you imagine for yourself as a child?

I’ve always gravitated towards visual arts. In school, I was also interested in history and science, and was an avid reader.

What career did you plan to pursue when you began college?

In college, I continued my education in the arts and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an illustration focus.

What was your first job out of college?

I became a mother while in college. The first five years of her life, I focused on school and freelancing as an illustrator — creating artwork for editorial magazines, fashion brands, children’s books, and doing custom portraiture.

3 years post-graduation, I took a job at Nordstrom, styling clothes and hosting in-store art events, while continuing freelance work.

How did you end up in your current role?

After years of moving through different sales roles and juggling illustration jobs, I became interested in the tech industry. I taught myself how to design for user experience through bootcamps, events, career coaching, and personal projects. While still working full-time, I took a part-time role with a startup to gain more experience in the field.

I connected with Erik Guffrey during this time  and joined the product team at Pro-ficiency in late 2022.

What does your current role entail?

As the lead UI/UX designer with the Clinical Simulations and Medical Communications team at Simulations Plus (before acquisition, our business unit was known as Pro-ficiency), I work closely with members of my team to design and refine the interface of our Pro-ficiency Performance Management platform One of our biggest objectives is providing products aimed at creating and securely accessing content for the health sciences industry – ranging from medical communications presentations to regulated protocol training modules for clinical trials. for clinical trials.

My role as a UX designer is focused on crafting and improving the digital experience as clients use our products, through design principles and an understanding of the research about and psychology of human behavior. Those efforts result in a platform that is easy to use despite the scientific complexity of the content itself.

Some examples include:

• Redesigning the interface for the central access control system, reducing the workload for administrators managing multiple client accounts with high regulatory needs
• Designing a custom creative tool to create complex, interactive health science content more efficiently. Redesigning the portal sign in process, resulting in less frustration and clearer direction for clients logging in
• Working on a new learning management system (LMS)   that allows  deep customization to accommodate for a variety of  client and regulatory needs.

We pride ourselves on offering exemplary customer experiences — my work as a designer contributes to the positive experience our clients have on our platform with interfaces that drive better productivity and more efficient workflows in the commercial and clinical drug space.

What is your favorite part of this job?

My favorite part of this job is being able to combine research, psychology, and visual art to design something that thousands of people will interact with. I am energized by the many creative problems to tackle in every phase — from initial concepts to implementation. I also love collaborating with members on my team as the designs are built, tested, and launched.

What is one of your proudest professional accomplishments?

I have worked with a few non-profit organizations focused on supporting young women in art and STEM. One of those projects was designing and painting a mural in a museum with Latina girls/teens that still stands today.

What is an obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

Pivoting careers at a busy time in my life was challenging — I was a working mother with  few connections, and little representation in the field. (As of 2024, only about 1.7% of women in tech identify as Latinx.*)

However, I found an astounding amount of support in this field and have made lifelong friends and mentors along the way.

What traits and/or habits have helped you succeed?

Reflecting on my journey, several traits and habits have played a role in shaping my success:

• Willingness to put in the work
• Jumping into networking
• A love for learning
• Creative problem solving

What would you tell other women considering a career in STEM?

We need you! While there are many obstacles to face while entering and staying in STEM, every small win is a win for all  women.

Did you have a role model that influenced your decision to work in science?

I have always admired women in history who have defied social norms to pursue careers and interests. In my own life, Tanei Henry has been an inspiration as she has organized an annual STEM career fair for girls ages eight through 12, in which they can interact with women leaders in industries where women are traditionally in the minority.

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This is the fifth installment of our Women in Science blog series. If you’d like to read about other professional women working in modeling and simulation, visit our Resource Center.

*https://luisazhou.com/blog/women-in-tech-statistics/