EXPERIENCE______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UX Designer & Researcher Re:Create Creative Reuse App - Ann Arbor, MI Jan 2024 - May 2024
I was involved in the research and design of an app aimed at reducing student move-out waste at the University of Michigan. Over 12 weeks, I worked closely with a team of graduate students diving into various research methods like competitive analysis, contextual inquiries, card sorting, expert interviews, and digital ethnography. We visited local creative reuse centers and observed firsthand how people repurposed materials which gave us valuable insights into the reuse community. This research helped shape the app’s design, which not only facilitates the transfer of unused materials but also educates users on sustainability and creative reuse. Using Figma, we iterated on the prototype ensuring a user-centered solution that addresses both waste reduction and community engagement.
UX Designer & Researcher, City of Dearborn Website Accessibility - Dearborn, MI Aug 2023 - Dec 2023
I worked with four graduate students to enhance the accessibility and readability of the city's website. Through extensive user research and stakeholder interviews, we designed an interactive style guide and a Figma prototype for a readability tool aimed at improving content accessibility for all residents. Our solution focused on addressing issues such as font size, legal jargon, and language barriers, with features like simplified text and language translation for Arabic and Spanish. I conducted usability testing with senior citizens and city staff which informed key design adjustments such as voice-read functionality and text enlargement. The City of Dearborn plans to take our design to developers so internal teams can leverage the tools to create more accessible content for their community.
UX & Discovery Intern, Harvard Library - Cambridge, MA June 2023 - Aug 2023
I designed and created prototypes for new features on the HOLLIS website which boosted user satisfaction by 15% through improved interface design. I conducted usability and accessibility testing, including work with screen reader users, to ensure compliance with WCAG standards and enhance accessibility for diverse user groups. Leading stakeholder meetings and moderating design reviews for the Harvard Bookplates homepage streamlined the design process cutting project timelines. I also developed scripts, surveys, research plans, and reports that informed key design decisions. Additionally, my thorough literature review on AI and cataloging research offered valuable insights that guided strategies for integrating AI-driven solutions into the library’s digital platforms.
Account Executive, WE Codeword Agency - San Francisco, CA Dec 2018 - May 2022
I secured over 80 media placements in top-tier outlets such as Forbes, Wirecutter, ZDNet, Fortune, TechCrunch, and Business Insider for enterprise and B2B tech clients across sectors like EdTech, BioTech, Ecommerce, and AR/VR. These efforts resulted in increased visibility and credibility for clients boosting their web traffic and brand recognition. I owned and managed account responsibilities including client correspondence, briefings, press releases, pitches, event submissions, and digital marketing campaigns, which contributed to a 20% increase in client satisfaction. I also conducted in-depth industry research and competitive SWOT analyses providing actionable insights that informed client strategies and helped secure repeat business and long-term partnerships.
SKILLS_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Public Relations: Media Relations, Writing, Client research, Coverage tracking
Design and Research: User Research and Usability Testing, Wire-framing, Prototyping, AI tools
Design tools: Framer, Figma, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), Dovetail, Sketch
Programming: Python, HTML5, CSS, Javascript
EDUCATION______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
University of Michigan School of Information, Ann Arbor, MI Sept 2022 - May 2024
Masters of Science in Information - User Experience (UX) Research and Design | 3.8 GPA
Hofstra University, Long Island, NY Aug 2014 - May 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations | 3.6 GPA
Global Studies Minor | Honors College
EXTRACURRICULARS____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Social Media Chair
Zeta Phi Eta Communications Fraternity, Events Co-Chair
Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honors Society, Inducted Member