I am a qualitative UX Researcher with eight years of experience in research design; I use (remote and in-person) interviews, ethnography, user groups, content analyses, contextual inquiry, literature reviews, and other methods to understand the needs of technology users. I have observed 1,000+ digital media users and have contributed my findings to the field (in peer-reviewed publications and at 20+ regional, national, and international conferences). My research has examined platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, JSwipe, Grindr, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, OkCupid, and LinkedIn (to name a few). My doctoral dissertation identified how religious minorities can overcome challenges when it comes to online dating and social media engagement.

I have taught 15 undergraduate classes on technology and human behavior and have held 8 M.A level workshops on qualitative research. My unique projects have led to increased attention from media publications (such as Well & Good), for which I have served as an expert source. I am passionate about understanding users’ desires/aspirations and translating that insight into meaningful experiences and products.