Ben Cowan graduated from The University of Edinburgh with and MA (Hons) in Psychology and Business Studies in 2006 where he specialised in Psycholinguistics focusing on the effects of social categorisation on audience design and alignment in dialogue.

Before commencing his PhD Ben was appointed as a Research Associate at CCIR soon after graduating in 2006, a post which he held until August 2007.

His EPSRC funded PhD focuses on the role of usability in the reduction of computerphobia. Ben is also a tutor at the University of Edinburgh Psychology Department teaching the 2nd Year Psychology practical course.

In his spare time Ben enjoys playing squash, travelling, socialising, live music, playing the guitar and has a passion for classic rock and biscuits.