Purpose- and Opportunity-Driven. Intellectually Curious. People-Oriented.
As a dedicated and innovative graphic designer with a Master of Design from the University of Illinois Chicago, I bring a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership to every project. My diverse background in human physiology and psychology informs my user-centered design approach, ensuring that my work not only captivates visually but also resonates deeply with audiences. With extensive experience in research and visual design, I have successfully led interdisciplinary teams and delivered impactful design solutions across various sectors. My goal is to leverage my skills and experiences to drive creative excellence and inspire others.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
University of Illinois Chicago
Master of Design, Graphic Design
May 2024
Chicago, IL
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Science, Human Physiology
Minor, Psychology
May 2020
Iowa City, IA
Additional Education
The Basel School of Design
Poster Design with Leander Eisenmenn
June 2023
Basel, Switzerland
University of Illinois Chicago
Creative Coding with Talia Cotton
March 2023
Chicago, IL
Work Experience
Research Associate II
UIC Innovation Center, Caterpillar Inc. Research Lab
Mar 2023–Present
Chicago, IL
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Collaborate among interdisciplinary teams using the Lean Innovation framework to identify user needs and behaviors.
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Conduct primary and secondary research, including surveys/interviews, to gather deep insights into customer behaviors/preferences.
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Synthesize user feedback into actionable insights and comprehensive reports for informed decision-making in the design process.
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Lead pitch meetings communicating design concepts and project goals, ensuring alignment and securing project approvals.
Teaching Assistant
University of Illinois Chicago, School of Design and College of Engineering
Aug 2022–May 2024
Chicago, IL
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Successfully delivered pre-designed course content over three semesters, ensuring students comprehended key learning concepts.
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Encouraged student involvement through interactive activities, fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
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Partnered closely with fellow educators to align teaching strategies, promoting consistency across the curriculum.
Lead Visual Designer
Institute for Healthcare Delivery Design
Feb 2024–Mar 2024
Chicago, IL
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Consulted on graphics in a successful grant application anticipated to bring in $150 million to the Illinois behavioral health system.
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Executed 25+ graphic elements, elevating the grant’s appeal and effectiveness in communicating complex information.
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Adapted quickly to an in-progress project and swiftly grasped the complex grant material to create meaningful graphics.
Sales and Visual Associate
Madewell (J. Crew Company)
Feb 2022–Dec 2023
Chicago, IL
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Assessed customer product needs and interests in order to best recommend suitable items.
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Coached new sales associates to bolster their ability to communicate product information to customers clearly.
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Coordinated visual merchandising efforts, enhancing product displays creating a visually appealing and user-friendly environment.
STEM Education Coordinator
University of Iowa Health Care, Marketing and Communications
Apr 2018–Aug 2021
Iowa City, IA
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Developed and implemented over 161 STEM tours and large-scale events engaging over 20,000 K–12 students per fiscal year.
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Generated annual reports, monthly data infographics, and digital advertisements used for marketing and reporting to UIHC leadership.
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Strategized and executed a plan to move programs to online platforms with on-trend content to address rapidly emerging needs.
Leadership and Involvement
Graduate Student Representative, Graphic Design
UIC Graduate Student Council
Chicago, IL
2022–2024
​The Graduate Student Council (GSC) is the governing Graduate Student Body consisting of representatives from all degree-granting programs in the Graduate College.
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Served as the Graphic Design delegate to relay important information to the School of Design department heads on a monthly basis.
Graduate Student Representative, Graphic Design
UIC School of Design Student Advisory Board
Chicago, IL
2022–2024
This group establishes a regular line of communication between the various student cohorts as well as the faculty leadership and school administration. DES/SAB members consult on matters of student interest and concern.
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Served over 20 graduate students navigating academic challenges, offering personalized guidance and efficiently directing inquiries.
University of Iowa Dance Marathon
Campus Relations Director
Iowa City, IA
2019–2020
UIDM provides emotional and financial support for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and families being treated at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. I was a participant in 2016, and held a leadership role from 2017-2020.
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Managed 3 chairpersons and 9 committee members for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Campus Relations; and Fraternity and Sorority Life committees.
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Created and sustained special projects to improve inclusive excellence for over 1,200 members and 1,000 Dance Marathon families.
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​Raised over $16,000 in peer-to-peer fundraising throughout my 4 years as a participant.
Creative Committee Member
Morale Captain Assistant
Participant
2018–2019
2017–2018
2016–2017
Physical Activity & Women's Health Lab with Dr. Kara Whitaker
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Iowa City, IA
2019–2020
Students to Assist Recruitment (STAR)
Member
Iowa City, IA
2017–2020
University of Iowa Homecoming Executive Council
Student Organization Sweepstakes Director
Iowa City, IA
2018–2019
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
Recruitment Information Management Team
Vice President of Marketing
Spirit Chair
New Member
Iowa City, IA
2019–2020
2018–2019
2017–2018
2016–2017
Medicus Pre-Medical Society
Public Relations Director
Outreach Leader
Member
Iowa City, IA
2019–2020
2018–2019
2016–2018
Features, Publications, and Exhibitions
Featured Work
Plastics, Oooh!
Exhibition
2023
Chicago, IL
Featured Work
UIC School of Design, Norman Teague
Carver College of Medicine
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Author
2019
Iowa City, IA
New Member Day Leadership Panel
University of Iowa Panhellenic Council
Panelist
2019
Iowa City, IA
Honors and Awards
The Passport Project Fellowship
UIowa Office of Undergraduate Research
Fellow
2020
Iowa City, IA
Young PHILanthropist Award
UI Center for Advancement
Recipient
2020
Iowa City, IA
Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity
Iowa International Programs
Graduate
2020
Iowa City, IA
Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society
Honors at Iowa
Member
2017–2020
Iowa City, IA