Who I am beyond research
More than a UX researcher, I am someone who believes that design is one of the most powerful ways we translate human emotion into experience.
To me, every interface is a living narrative that reflects people’s needs, identities, and the subtle rhythms of how they move through the world.
My philosophy is simple: every product tells a story and every interaction is a conversation. What excites me most is understanding why those conversations succeed or why they fall apart. I love the quiet details that shape everyday experiences, such as the clarity of a well-structured flow, the trust built through accessible systems, and the moment a user feels genuinely understood. Research is where I uncover these moments, and design is where I help bring them to life.
My inspirations and interests
My perspective has been shaped deeply by living, studying, and observing design across cultures. In Winter 2023, I studied at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, where I learned that design is never universal. It is cultural, contextual, and deeply human. Returning to Seoul in Fall 2025 for my graduate studies has been a full-circle moment. This time, I am approaching the city through a researcher’s lens and noticing how subway maps, service touchpoints, and even café interfaces reveal values such as empathy, efficiency, and care.
Outside of UX, I have a long-standing passion for musical theatre. Performing taught me about timing, emotional storytelling, collaboration, and how different elements come together to move an audience. These lessons map directly onto my UX practice. They taught me to understand users’ emotional journeys, anticipate needs, and craft experiences that feel honest and resonant.
Outside of UX, I have a long-standing passion for musical theatre. Performing taught me about timing, emotional storytelling, collaboration, and how different elements come together to move an audience. These lessons map directly onto my UX practice. They taught me to understand users’ emotional journeys, anticipate needs, and craft experiences that feel honest and resonant.
Alongside my creative pursuits, I am deeply committed to social justice, activism, and student advocacy. These have been integral parts of my journey. Through my involvement in programs supporting Black, Latin American, and Southeast Asian students at Carleton University and the University of Toronto, I have worked to create spaces of belonging and representation within academic and community settings. These experiences shape the way I approach research with humility, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to amplifying voices that are too often overlooked. Design is a tool for equity as much as it is for innovation.
Looking ahead
As I continue growing in UX research, I am especially interested in how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can enhance digital experiences without losing their human touch. I am also drawn to sustainable design and how digital ecosystems can be built with care for both users and the environment.
Looking ahead, I want to work on projects that pair innovation with intention. I want to contribute to experiences that are inclusive, culturally aware, and grounded in real human needs. I hope to create work that does not just solve problems but strengthens the communities and values behind them.
Above all, I believe good design is an act of care. It is care for people, for the planet, and for the invisible connections between them. My goal is to keep creating work that not only functions well but feels meaningful, empowering, and deeply human.