Education
PhD in Media and Information – In Progress
Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI | 2019 – 2023 (expected)
Qualitative research focusing on video game communities, toxicity, and gender
Masters of Science in Information
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI | 2011 – 2013
Specialized in Human Computer Interaction
Coursework in Graphic Design
Everett Community College – Everett, WA | 2008 – 2010
Bachelor of Arts
Whitman College – Walla Walla, WA | 2003 – 2007
Majored in German Studies
Notable Coursework
- Ways of Knowing
- Social Justice and Diversity in Psychology
- Media Theory
- Language and Cultural Meaning
- Advanced Qualitative Methods: Humanizing Research
- Feminist Theories, Pedagogy, and Epistemologies
Work
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Michigan State University | August 2019 – present
Tasks include grading, lecturing, assisting students with coursework, and assisting professors with course development
- MI 101 – Understanding Media and Information (2 semesters)
- MI 201 – Introduction to Information Science (3 semesters, including leading recitation sections)
- MI 220 – Methods for Understanding Users
- MI 250 – Introduction to Applied Programming (5 semesters, co-teaching)
- MI 320 – Reasoning with Data
- MI 491 – User Experience, Design, and Identity
Research Assistant
Michigan State University | May 2021 – August 2021
Worked with Jean Hardy, PhD on qualitative data analysis and writing for the LGBTQ Futures project.
Bookshelver / Processor
Ann Arbor District Library | September 2018 – July 2019
- Process books, media, and tools to facilitate circulation through the library system
- Shelve and organize books and other media within each of the five library branches
- Assist patrons in locating books and media
User Experience Designer
Deque Systems, Inc. | June 2015 – May 2018
- Planned and performed user research with clients and other potential users
- Created and maintained a user research recruitment database
- Wrote blog posts and spoke at conferences about accessibility-focused design
- Lead design for multiple B2B web applications, focused on accessibility
- Worked with an agile team to implement and test user interface solutions
Contract Web and UX Designer
Self-employed | January 2014 – July 2015
Performed user research, usability analyses, and website design for a variety of individuals and small businesses. Clients included:
- Stovall Entertainment, LLC – Ypsilanti, MI
- Highlands 460 Covenant Community – Centennial, CO
- Janet Hamilton, Fine Artist – Everett, WA
- Seventh Street Studio – Birmingham, MI
Design and Technical Consultant
University of Michigan School of Information | January – May 2015
- Advised students in a graduate-level design course on project management, design considerations, and technical considerations
- Assisted students with technical implementation for projects (specifically using WordPress)
- Taught workshop on WordPress design and development
User Experience Research Consultant
University of Michigan Library | March – April 2014
- Worked with librarians to define research goals and recruit participants
- Moderated usability tests for a library-based online learning tool
- Collated results and presented to library stakeholders
User Experience Design Intern
University of Michigan Medical School | October 2012 – April 2013
- Worked with an agile team to create solutions for web applications used by doctors, staff and medical students in the University of Michigan health system
- Performed user research on existing and future applications and ideas
- Created a style guide for a small suite of web applications
Assistant Instructional Technologist
University of Michigan Library | October 2011 – March 2015
- Assisted students, staff and faculty in learning and using design software, Microsoft Office, and bibliographic management systems
- Assisted librarians and other instructional technologists in giving software and technology workshops
- Wrote and edited library guides for using design and media editing software
Academic Publications
Certifications
CPWA (Certified Professional in Web Accessibility)
International Association of Accessibility Professionals | 2018
Organizations
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Volunteer / Service
Elected Board Member – Association for Doctoral Students in Information and Media (ADSIM)
Information and Media PhD Program, Michigan State University | September 2020 – August 2021
- Served as Media and Information department representative for the 2020-2021 school year
- Worked to expand a peer support network for PhD students in the program
- Co-led an “accountability hours” co-working system for PhD students
Election Inspector
City of Ann Arbor, MI | 2018
- Set up polling location on election day
- Assist citizens with voting during election hours
- Assist with maintaining accurate voting counts throughout election day
Ann Arbor Web Accessibility Meetup Organizer
Ann Arbor, MI | December 2017 – January 2019
- Plan upcoming meetup events along with 3 other organizers
- Give speaker introductions and/or talks as needed
- Communicate with meetup members via Meetup.com and social media
Public Library Volunteer
Ann Arbor District Library – Ann Arbor, MI | December 2016 – September 2018; August 2019 – December 2019
- Helped with community events that are sponsored by and held at public locations in and around Ann Arbor
- Assisted with daily library tasks as needed, such as scanning and organizing