At the Intersection
When I told my parents I was studying to get a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Creative Writing, the only thing they could say was, “Uh, why?” I joked that “the writing is just in case the engineering thing doesn’t work out.”
I've always been at the crossroads of creativity and logic, navigating between two distinct worlds. As a kid I competed in chess tournaments, but between games I was writing stories. Sometimes I even snuck a book into the tournament room to read in between turns.
I completed my double major from Northwestern University in 2019 and went on to receive a Masters of Science from Northwestern in Engineering Design and Innovation. My work is a fusion of innovative flair, engineering-based functionality, and the implementation of new technologies like generative AI. Since beginning my career in design, my goal has always been to create seamless experiences that connect users to products, services, and information in an intuitive and meaningful way.
I’ve partnered with…
…and many more.
Résumé
Work Experience
Interaction Designer, IA Collaborative
March 2022 to current
- Lead the creation of user-centered interfaces for a diverse client portfolio, including FedEx, CDW, Capital Group, and Stripe.
- Collaborate with developers and cross-functional teams to integrate design principles, ensuring a cohesive product development process.
- Conduct user research and usability testing to guide design decisions, leveraging a range of design tools and methodologies for wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
- Contribute to client presentations, effectively communicating design concepts and incorporating feedback to refine and iterate designs.
- Develop and maintain design systems and guidelines, promoting consistency and scalability in user interfaces across projects.
Design Researcher and UIUX Designer, Freelance
December 2020 to March 2022
- Designed user-centered interfaces for both established clients like the University of Illinois as well as up-and-coming startups, significantly enhancing user experience and engagement on various digital platforms.
- Partnered with developers, product managers, and project teams at client organizations to embed design thinking and principles into project lifecycles, ensuring alignment and integration.
- Executed detailed user research and usability testing for each project, applying a diverse set of design tools and methodologies to develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups tailored to client needs.
- Facilitated design workshops and presentations for clients, clearly articulating design solutions and incorporating stakeholder feedback to refine and perfect project outcomes.
- Established and adapted design systems and guidelines for each client, ensuring user interface consistency and scalability, while catering to the unique brand and user experience goals of startups and educational institutions.
Education
M.S. in Engineering Design and Innovation, Northwestern University
- Specialized in integrating user-centered design principles with innovative engineering solutions.
- Served as a Teaching Assistant for the Mechanical Engineering Capstone course, providing instructional support, mentoring, and guidance to senior engineering students.
- Assisted the transition of the Mechanical Engineering Capstone course to an online format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining the course's rigor and engagement.
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Creative Writing, Northwestern University
- Accepted to the Nonfiction Creative Writing program at Northwestern University, a competitive program with a 25% acceptance rate among NU students, showcasing exceptional writing talent and dedication.
- Gained extensive experience in additive manufacturing technologies while working at the Rapid Prototyping Lab, managing and maintaining six different types of 3D printers, as well as serving as a Teaching Assistant for the Rapid Prototyping class, where I instructed and supported students in their own 3D fabrication projects.
- Capstone Mechanical Engineering project: As part of a team of six, I designed and developed an innovative all-terrain ambulance optimized for emergency responses in sub-Saharan Africa, featuring enhanced capabilities to care for patients while navigating deep mud and challenging road conditions.