About (me)
I'm a
Creator
Prototyper
Designer
Storyteller
Researcher
Mentor
Hello
Summary
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At Stanford University, I studied Symbolic Systems and Human-Computer Interaction.
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I worked in user experience at Nokia, then Qualcomm, and now at Lytx.
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My latest area of interest and study is creative writing and storytelling.
My path toward user-centered design began at Stanford University, where I earned my degree in Symbolic Systems, an interdisciplinary study of computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology. My concentration was in Human-Computer Interaction. I spent a considerable amount of time studying software programming (C, C++, Java), first-order logic, cognitive psychology, and product design, during which, I learned that synthesis of logic and creativity was the way to innovation.
After graduating from Stanford, I worked for Nokia as a User Interface Designer for 3.5 years. I then moved to Qualcomm where I worked in both product management and user experience for 11+ years, filing several patents along the way. Today, I work for Lytx as a Senior UX Designer, focused on improving driver safety and making the world a little less hazardous for us all.
My latest personal growth has been in creative writing. I'm studying the craft of storytelling, creating compelling characters to better connect and communicate with audiences. I'm excited to see how this will improve my persona creation and presentations in the future.
Beyond building user experiences, I enjoy:
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Creative writing: I just wrote my first novel, a sci-fi adventure.
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DIY projects: I once built a storage room from wooden pallets.
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New hobbies: I'm learning how to produce podcasts this year.
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Social dancing: I'm a former world champion salsa dancer.
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Crafty adventures: I'm a fan of speakeasy-hunting.
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Being a nerd: I like learning new topics...and playing video games.
Other Work
Storytelling as a Tool
"Let me tell you the most interesting story I ever heard..."
Stories are one of humanity's oldest inventions, the earliest known dating back over 30,000 years. It's a universal tool, used by people from every corner of the world. Storytelling is a vehicle into the imagination that provides enjoyment and education. It captivates through intrigue and persuades through emotion. It provides comfort and connection, surprise and delight. What a wonderful way to improve an experience, by gifting your audience with a story.
