The "Why" Behind My Design: My path to UX design might look like a winding road—spanning roles from an HVAC apprentice to a data visualization specialist—but every stop has been about one thing: solving complex problems for people. Whether I was troubleshooting mechanical systems or building executive-level communications, my focus has always been to identify core issues and design solutions that truly resonate with the end-user. This drive to empathize and communicate fuels my passion for building intuitive, research-backed experiences.

From Biology to Behavioral Science: I began my academic journey in Biology, curious about how things work organically. However, I soon realized I wanted to look beyond the biological "machinery" and into the intricacies of the human mind. This led me to the University of Rochester, where I earned my degree in Brain and Cognitive Sciences with a minor in Psychology. This shift allowed me to explore the nuances of how we perceive the world and process complex information.

The Intersection of Mind and Machine: My background in cognitive psychology allows me to bring a unique, analytical perspective to the design process. By understanding the "why" behind human behavior, I can bridge the gap between complex research data and user-centered design. Today, I leverage my expertise in Cognitive Science and Data Visualization to build trust and reduce cognitive load in high-stakes environments, ensuring that every digital interaction is as efficient as it is effective.