About

My name is Pamela Dean.

I've spent most of my career asking questions.

Sometimes those questions involved software systems. Sometimes they involved networks, databases, websites, or business records. Today, they often involve people, companies, assets, litigation matters, and the digital footprints people or organizations leave behind.

What has remained constant is the methodology.

I believe good research begins with a clear question.

The goal is to understand what matters, separate assumptions from facts, and provide information that helps people make better decisions.

My background spans application development, network administration, systems analysis, web development, and a website design business ownership. I've worked in technical environments ranging from small businesses to large organizations, including the United Nations and Swiss Re America.

That technical foundation continues to shape the way I approach investigative research today.

Through Westside Virtual, I provide investigative research, intelligence analysis, public records research, due diligence support, discovery support, and business intelligence services for legal, corporate, and private clients.

I am a Certified Open Source Intelligence (OSC) professional with a particular interest in due diligence, corporate intelligence, public records research, digital investigations, and emerging technologies.

I stay current with evolving OSINT methodologies through continuous learning, hands-on research, and regular participation in scenario-based exercises and competitive CTFs.

While tools and technology continue to evolve, the fundamentals remain the same:

Define the question.
Collect reliable information.
Analyze the findings.
Explain what they mean in an organized and well-written report.

Research should do more than uncover facts. It should help people move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

That's the work I enjoy most.