Keynote Speakers — #APPLIEDERGO2026 

Prepare to be inspired by a stellar lineup of keynote speakers at the forefront of applied ergonomics. These thought leaders and innovators will provide invaluable insights into the latest research, trends, and best practices. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, you'll leave with fresh perspectives and new connections. Don't miss this chance to engage with the best in the business.

Mark Benden

Chief Technology Officer
Humanate Digital Inc.

Mark Benden’s career includes experience as an Army officer, plant & corporate ergonomics engineer, inventor, rehabilitation engineer, ergonomics consultant, executive vice president and CEO. He is the current CTO for Humanate Digital Inc., a TAMU IP spinout digital health company blending agentic AI technology with realistic digital avatars to revolutionize the way healthcare is provided. He is a Fellow in the National Academy of Inventors and holds 25 U.S. patents. Sales of his patented inventions have totaled over $1 billion and the expected lifetime economic impact of those designs exceeds $2.5 billion.

Benden also currently serves as executive director of the TAMU Center for Worker Health and is Department Chair for the Environmental & Occupational Health Department within the School of Public Health. He is the author of many articles, books and book chapters on ergonomics and has spoken to professional groups around the world. 

He has been married to his wife, Teresa for 37 years and has three sons, three daughters-in-law and nine grandchildren.

Cassini Nazir

Assistant Professor, Communication Design: User-Experience Design
University of North Texas

Cassini Nazir is an interaction designer and researcher who brings human-centered innovation to complex industry challenges. An assistant professor at the University of North Texas, he has led more than 20 corporate projects since 2019 with organizations such as Toyota, CVS/Signify Health, DFW Airport, Target, and Sam’s Club. His work centers on creating experiences that create curiosity, improve usability, build trust, and reduce friction between people and the systems they rely on.

Cassini’s projects have addressed key ergonomics concerns: evaluating in-vehicle multimedia systems to reduce driver distraction, designing AI-driven interfaces that enhance usability, tackling electric vehicle range anxiety, and improving the flow of passenger and retail experiences. His healthcare work with CVS/Signify Health demonstrates how curiosity-driven design can strengthen trust and connection during in-home evaluations.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Cassini has presented at industry conferences such as Big Design, Confab, and the Insights Association, as well as corporate events for CVS and Vista Equity Partners, inspiring practitioners with practical strategies to build curiosity and innovation.

At this conference, he will challenge ergonomics professionals to rethink how curiosity and care can transform design practice.