As mentioned previously, I am a formally trained physicist and researcher, turned accessibility advocate and equitable designer. I have worked within the field of accessibility across domains, beginning my journey at Alma College studying Physics where I worked as a researcher under Dr. Victor Argueta-Diaz and explored a redesign of a microfluidic device for optical spectroscopy. This recently published research paved the way for reliable and efficient detection of pollutants in solutions, like water, requiring a fraction of the time, money, and other resources typically used in optical spectroscopy.

After obtaining my undergraduate degree in Physics & Mathematics at Alma, I continued my education at the University of Michigan, where I dove further into human-centered design and completed my Masters in Design Science. This year and a half long intensive course challenged me to think critically not only how to design, but why we even design. As a physically disabled woman myself, I placed my attention on designing for people with disabilities through an intersectional feminist lens. This led me to countless projects surrounding inclusive and equitable design, as displayed in my Portfolio, and courses like ‘Accessible Web Design’, ‘Analytical Product Design’, ‘Interaction Design’, and more.

During my time here I worked as a researcher under Dr. Julia Kramer and Dr. Sita Syal and explored how injustices play a role in engineering design processes and outcomes. This led me to Dr. Sasha Costanza-Chock’s Design Justice: Community-led Practices to Build the Worlds We Need, an exploration of the connection between design, power, and social justice, a now key pillar of my work. I encourage everyone to explore their work and dive into the field of Design Justice.

This journey has led me to the field of UX Research and Design, where I am using my unique journey to design a more equitable future.