• Ph.D. (Psychology), Cornell University, 1973.
• Graduate student (Psychology), Yale University, 1968-69.
• B.A. (Psychology), magna cum laude, Cornell University, 1968.

Honors and Professional Societies

Cognitive Science Society

Psychonomic Society

American Psychological Society

Society for Ecological Psychology

Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction,

Human Factors Society Technical Group on Aging

Phi Beta Kappa

Sigma Xi

Experience

Dr. Tenney is a Senior Scientist in the Human Factors Group within the Intelligent Distributed Computing department of BBN Technologies. She has been involved in human factors work there, both theoretical and applied for nearly twenty years. Her current projects include task analysis, design specification, interface design, and usability testing for speech applications, job aids, and intelligent tutoring systems. She has worked with users in a diverse set of domains including computer security, telephony, finance, underwater exploration, harbor navigation, complex electronic troubleshooting, commercial aviation, command and control, tax auditing, environmental noise assessment, and statistical reasoning.

Dr. Tenney has explored the potential impact (both negative and positive) of new technologies and organizational schemes for civilian and military processes. Some of the processes she has investigated are: diagnosis and response to aircraft in-flight engine malfunctions (NASA-Langley), scheduling of maintenance and repair for ATC-related equipment (FAA), ordering and tracking of Mission Capable parts (Air Force), and effects of in-vehicle information systems on driver performance (Federal Highway Administration).

Dr. Tenney has contributed to the human factors literature on automation issues, including the measurement of situation awareness, the cognitive management of multiple tasks, and techniques for evaluating human performance models. Her work on practical problems of memory, including the effects of aging, has been cited twice in the New York Times Science Section.

Prior to coming to BBN, Dr. Tenney held research positions at Harvard University and the VA Outpatient Clinic in Boston. She has taught courses in perception, cognition, cognitive development, and experimental methods.