Jessica Zdinak is a native of the eastern shore of Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University and a master’s degree and a doctorate in experimental psychology and statistics from Oklahoma State University. Zdinak has dedicated 20 years working as a behavioral scientist in a variety of settings, including academic, federal government, public health, and industry, and now serves as chief research officer of a leading U.S.-based contract research organization, Applied Research and AnalysisCompany (ARAC).

 Her team services both U.S. and international clients in their product development and consumer research, supporting innovation and next-generation products with a focused expertise on the regulatory sciences for U.S. applications, including: inspection test plans, premarket tobacco product applications, modified-risk tobacco product applications, substantial equivalences, 510(k), and breakthrough designations.

The ARAC firm specializes in providing boutique-level personalized research services with a focus on combining their expertise in psychology, statistics, and behavior change with a focus on the consumer and the role of the regulator. Their triangular approach has proven successful across a variety of studies, including label development and comprehension, human factors/usability, clinical behavioral studies, specifically randomized experimental trials, tobacco product perception and intention studies (TPPI) and postmarket surveillance systems.