I’m an anthropologist turning to the digital world. After searching for a way to apply my ethnographic research skills I discovered the world of User Experience Design and Research and realized that I could use my love of the arts and anthropology to help foster a world that is safe for everyone. My interest in understanding why humans do what they do and my background working with special needs populations is what drew me towards UX Design and Research. It gives me a platform to explore human interaction while making the world more accessible and safe for diversity.
I was born and raised in amongst the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. I'm an outdoor country girl at heart and find that much of my design inspiration comes from the colors and shapes that can be found outdoors.
I consider myself to be a bit of a polymath or factotum. I'm have a ton of interests and lots of random knowledge at my disposal. I'm a whiz at logistical things. And I really do love to learn about the world around me.
I've had the pleasure of working at Camp Sequoia (a camp serving young me with ADHD & other similar diagnoses) for 6 summers now. It's become my 2nd home. Here I've developed leadership skills, basic understanding of psychology, and compassion and patience for neurological differences. I've served as the Program Director for the past two seasons and if you think that sounds easy. A typical day for me involved 18 working hours and a minimum of 10 miles walked just so I could work with my staff to make kids smile every day.
As a student at VCU I had the opportunity to work with my peers on an exhibit for the Virginia Museum of Natural History - titled "Exploring Virginia". Designing an exhibit is difficult but its where I began to learn how people think. We learned to consider demographics, audiences, and reading levels. We designed the text panels, with guidance from the museum, handpicked artifacts that would be used in the exhibit. Additionally we 3-D printed replicas of artifacts to add a tactile element to the exhibit without risked the real artifacts. This opportunity is what made me change me declare my major as anthropology and I don't regret it.