UX researcher with background in healthcare, psychology, and academic research. 5+ years experience with cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management in Agile, dynamic environments. Eager to apply analytical skills and deep knowledge of research methodologies to level up a product team and effect meaningful change through the product development lifecycle.

Experience

Co-Founder + UX Researcher | Centered | Jan 2024 - Present

  • Led strategic recruitment efforts, orchestrated subject matter expert interviews, established a robust research repository, and laid groundwork for scalable research operations.

  • Executed a comprehensive competitor analysis to identify market gaps and opportunities, driving essential insights for product development.

UX Research Intern | Valuables | Nov 2023 - Jan 2024

  • Conducted strategic and tactical research (including competitive analysis, tree tests, card sorts, and concept testing), resulting in crucial information architecture modifications and usability optimization of a personal brand management platform.

  • Created a research repository, resulting in the successful handoff to the client of deliverables, including a strategic roadmap, research plans, usability testing guide, and diary study materials.

Research Practitioner - Lead Outpatient Speech Language Pathologist | Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital of Kyle | Jan 2020 - Sep 2022

  • Evaluated patients and analyzed data using both quantitative and qualitative measures, resulting in patient-centered, individualized goals and treatment plans.

  • Managed caseload of 15+ patients, tracked data patient data, and reported on progress to stakeholders.

  • Advocated for patient needs in cross-functional team meetings, resulting in evidence-based treatment and discharge recommendations.

Research Practitioner - Speech Language Pathologist | Rehab Without Walls NeuroSolutions | Apr 2020 - Jun 2021

  • Created innovative and personalized solutions that catered to the unique needs and goals of each patient, fostering motivation and progress

  • Developed visually engaging and informative materials for patients and their families, providing guidance and support throughout the rehabilitation process

  • Integrated technological solutions and communication aids into the therapy process, exploring the potential of technology to support patient recovery

Research Practitioner - Speech Language Pathologist | St. David’s Heart Hospital of Austin | Oct 2019 - Jan 2021

  • Conducted usability tests with patients to evaluate the effectiveness and user-friendliness of speech therapy tools, making iterative improvements

  • Conducted workshops and training sessions for healthcare staff, educating them about speech therapy strategies and the importance of effective communication support

  • Worked closely with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists to integrate speech therapy strategies into comprehensive patient treatment plans.

Research Practitioner - Speech Language Pathologist | Post Acute Medical Rehabilitation Hospital of Round Rock | Sep 2019 - May 2021

  • Organized and structured therapy materials, resources, and communication aids to enhance patient comprehension and engagement.

  • Analyzed patient progress data and adjusted therapy approaches accordingly, maximizing the effectiveness of communication interventions.

  • Create detailed user personas based on patient data and characteristics to represent the various speech and language impairment profiles.

Clinical Fellow - Speech Language Pathologist | Bertram Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | Jun 2018 - Aug 2019

  • Completed Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship and achieved ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competency.

  • Stayed up-to-date with the latest research, technology, and best practices in speech therapy and communication aids, driving innovation within the rehabilitation setting.

  • Developed visually engaging and informative materials for patients and their families, provided guidance and support throughout the rehabilitation process.

  • Worked closely with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists to integrate speech therapy strategies into comprehensive patient treatment plans.

Research Assistant | Northwestern University Communication and Cognition Lab | Sep 2014 - Jun 2015

Research Assistant | Northwestern University Cognitive Development Lab | Sep 2013 - Aug 2014

  • Completed Senior Thesis - study development, data collection and analysis, write-up, and presentation

  • Moderated research trials and coded data for graduate student dissertation experiments and personal projects

Education

UX/UI Design Certification | Springboard | 2023-2024

  • Developed a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and design tools, resulting in the completion of 700+ hours of course material, two capstone projects, and one design sprint.

  • Collaborated weekly with industry-expert mentor and presented on independently-completed tasks and deliverables, resulting in the ability to effectively communicate meaningful and actionable insights to stakeholders.

M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders | The University of Texas at Austin | 2016 - 2018

  • UT Moody College of Communication Pic Wagner Endowment Fellow

  • Austin Speech Labs - Graduate Internship

  • Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Round Rock - Graduate Internship

B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) in Psychology | Northwestern University | 2011 - 2015

  • Minors: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Chinese Language

  • Academic Year Research Grant Recipient

  • Benton J. Underwood Summer Research Fellow