TEAM BIOS
Our Team
Nikki Blacksmith, PhD
Co-Founder & CEO
Chicago, IL
As an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, Dr. Nikki Blacksmith has worked across industries, helping organizations attract and select high-quality employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Her research and consulting focuses on understanding the way personality and cognitive ability predict decision-making and job performance in startups and other organizations.
She has published over 60 different conference papers, book chapters, and journal articles. Her scientific research has been published in top-tier publications including the Journal of Business and Psychology, Personality and Individual Differences, Journal of Personality Assessment, and Intelligence. Her research has also been featured in many media outlets including New York Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, and Bustle.
Dr. Blacksmith is currently a research fellow at the Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences and an adjunct faculty member at American University in Washington, DC.
Dane Wagner, MS
Co-Founder & CPO
Miami, FL
Dane has over a decade of experience in data analytics and UX research, he has contributed to industry research on topics such as loss prevention, behavior modification, employee satisfaction, designing for neuro-divergency and client memory/ cognitive processes.
Dane’s passions lie in the integration of modern technology to standardize qualitative research, bridging the science practitioner gap through applied technologies education, and improving employee experience models for smaller organizations and businesses.
He holds a masters degree in I/O Psychology and is still active as an adjunct faculty member within the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education as well as the College of Technology and Computer Science at Florida International University.
Disney Davila, MS
COO
Zephyrhills, FL
Disniel serves as Chief Operations Officer at Symeta Behavior Science. In this capacity, he dedicates himself to driving initiatives that not only enhance the overall effectiveness of the organization but also elevate our customer experiences. His passion lies in the realm of learning and development, where he actively engages in fostering the growth of professionals. By identifying opportunities for learning and skill development, he plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent and facilitating their advancement. He takes pride in leading training programs tailored to the specific needs of professionals, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their roles.
Disniel’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement is deeply ingrained, with a steadfast dedication to staying abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovative technologies. He holds an M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is a Certified Project Manager (PMP) and DDI Facilitator.
Kelly Diouf
Project Manager & Researcher
Bethesda, MD
Kelly is the lead Project Manager & Research Analyst for Symeta Behavior Science, where she conducts research on selection, motivation, coaching, leadership, team development, decision-making, and psychometric testing. As an aspiring I-O psychologist, Kelly is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed by translating I-O science to a wider audience, and creating products designed to develop leadership skills and team cohesion. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from American University and is taking a gap year to accumulate knowledge and experience in the field.