I’m excited to get to know you :)

I’m a UX researcher and designer with a background that bridges psychology and technology. I recently began my PhD in Informatics at Indiana University Bloomington, where I explore the impacts of technology on mental health (and the ways we can make our digital spaces healthier).

My roots are in informatics and psychology research, which taught me to approach UX problems with an analytical and evidence-based mindset. Whenever I face a design question, I turn a critical eye to the data— What does it say about the real people behind the numbers? Psychology offers a framework for how to understand mental health and behavior. Informatics adds another layer, applying this understanding to the digital world.

Before starting my PhD, I completed my honors thesis at UC Irvine on support-seeking behaviors in DropPounds (codename), a diet and fitness app. I’m also a published author, having examined eating disorder discussion on similar platforms. My current interests center on digital wellbeing, mental health, social media, and how users resist moderation and manipulative design.

In industry, I’ve collaborated with mission-driven organizations including AccesSOS, and Coforma. I continue to bring that ethical, research-driven approach to my academic and creative work. My goal is to change the landscape of social media to bridge the gap between corporate and human-centered interests. I hope we can work together sometime!