Dr. Oppegaard is trusted and has proven expertise in leading cross-functional teams nationally and internationally, developing research methodologies, and executing multimodal design-research strategies to enhance digital media experiences. Adept at stakeholder engagement, ambiguity management, and fostering inclusive design, he has been recognized by many national and international organizations for advancing research and development (R&D) across disciplines — including media accessibility (with an emphasis on Audio Description), Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), and locative media — while securing major federal and corporate grants, and mentoring hundreds of next-generation professionals.
Along the way, Dr. Oppegaard has:
- Collaborated with staff members at public attractions in 49 of the 50 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C. (Oklahoma, you're next on our list!) and developed research partnerhips in more than 10 other countries.
- Been recognized for his work by an array of international, national, and state organizations, including The American Alliance of Museums, The American Council of the Blind, The European Heritage Association, Helen Keller Services, the Society for History in the Federal Government, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
- Presented his research findings in formal academic presentations in Canada, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Kenya, Spain, and Norway.
- Consulted for a wide variety of organizations with public audiences, including aquariums, battlefields, conservatories, government buildings, halls, historical sites, lakeshores, libraries, memorials, monuments, museums, national parks, parkways, performing arts centers, public art collections, seashores, theaters, trails, universities, wildlife refuges, and zoos.
In his practice, Dr. Oppegaard typically uses inductive reasoning to deeply study the ways in which representative stakeholders act when engaged in specific activities in particular media ecosystems. His data collection strategies often get designed within specific physical environments and with particular support systems in place, allowing him to make full sense of the research objectives through the theoretical lens of Activity Theory. His findings and strategic recommendations regularly lead to impactful recommendations that improve the economics of a system, by creating new efficiencies, but also by amplify the effectiveness of users engaged in activities in those systems. He also loves to do public good, as recognized by multiple community awards noting his benevolence. Dozens of examples of his work are below.
As a former journalist and arts critic, with a love for Sherlock Holmes stories, Dr. Oppegaard appreciates the tiniest of details in a person’s narrative that can lead to profound deductions, deeper understandings, and competitive advantages. This thoughtful approach has given him a knack for finding the clues and universal strains of motivation and engagement that exist in an audience member, leading to innovative designs and research findings based on those analyses.
He also has:
- Served on faculty appointments at 5 different universities and colleges; and earned 4 degrees from 4 different universities, including a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University, summa cum laude.
- Grown multiple academic programs, including starting the Communication minor at Washington State University's Vancouver campus, and helping to start the UX certificate at the Oregon Institute of Technology, and tripling the number of majors in the Journalism program over his 5 years as Program Director at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
- Taught and mentored hundreds of students and junior professionals at various levels, from undergraduate to Ph.D. students, and from classified staff to Associate Professors.
- Earned multiple teaching awards — including recognition of innovative teaching practices at the campus level and nationally — as well as received unanimous support at all levels of review (Program, School, College, campus-wide Tenure & Promotion Committee, Vice Provost, and President) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa for both tenure and promotion to Associate Professor and for promotion to full Professor, the highest academic rank with the highest possible degree.
He uses — and has taught at the university level — a mix of methods and research approaches that blend qualitative and quantitative research methodologies via a reliable triangulation strategy that seeks to establish multiple sources of independent data to confirm any single research assertion. His favorite method is the one that works the best. That means he takes great care to make careful research plans that produce solid and clear recommendations, and when he gives one, you can count on it.
On a personal level, Brett regularly volunteers genealogical services to the Sons of the American Revolution, of which he is a member, as well as to other national heritage organizations, as a way to help people to connect with their family history. He and his family have many pets, including both dogs and cats, extended by the Oppegaards regularly volunteering at the local Humane Society. And, after being based in Hawai‘i for so long, he relaxes with water sports, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. On land, he enjoys team sports, bicycling, and hiking.
Access Hound
Dr. Brett Oppegaard has been invited to share his research results around the world, including at peer-reviewed venues throughout the United States as well as in formal presentations in Canada, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Kenya, Spain, and Norway.