Me, circa 2006

Design + Research + Planning

As a designer, I have challenged myself to be proficient in a wide range of related skills. These goals demonstrate my identity as a designer, while feeding my tenacious generalist tendencies. I have an avid desire to take on new projects no matter the size, shape, or level of complexity. As a result, I am deeply invested in the holistic process of design thinking; the journey proving as significant as the destination.

I strive to maintain fluency throughout the design process; making the necessary shifts between planning, analysis, and synthesis. From insightful observation to concept refinement, I thrive on task diversity. I am an effective teammate and leader that values collaboration and is comfortable with the unknown. With passion and humility I encourage innovation, and take pride in advancing ideas from faint thoughts to tangible experiences.

Experience

McDonald’s Corporation: Innovation Center

(2007, 2008: Summer) Design & Strategy Intern; Romeoville, IL
Explored how kitchen design language can enhance both the customer and employee experiences. Also worked on developing a stakeholder-centric, decision-making framework for adopting new restaurant initiatives. Deliverables included concept sketches, task diagrams, design guidelines, full-scale mock-ups, and prototypes.

City of Chicago: Serving Latino Populations

(2008: Spring) Chicago, IL
Developed actionable city-service concepts for the Latino population in the Little Village district. The research objective was to quickly familiarize the team with residents through direct contact and interviews. Needs were gathered and formed into concepts that were evaluated by both residents and city service departments.

Research Assistant

(2007: Fall–Present) Chicago, IL
Gathered information from industry experts to form a knowledge consortium for new health care initiatives. In addition to conducting interviews and collecting secondary research, duties also included the organization of several symposia for collaborative discussion.

MetLife: Legacy Planning

(2007: Spring) Chicago, IL
Proposed that MetLife expand its services to include the burgeoning industry of legacy planning. The project demonstrates how the implementation of legacy planning satisfies unmet customer needs and differentiates MetLife from its competition by developing long lasting and powerful emotional connections with its customers.

Applied Concepts Unleashed, Inc.

(2004–2006) Industrial Designer; Stuart, FL
Worked on multiple projects within the custom yacht and marine product industries. Deliverables ranged from fabrication drawings and three-dimensional models, to digital renderings and concept art. Served as project manager for detail phases; providing coordination between designers, vendors, and builders.

New Balance: Multi-Cleats

(2004: Spring) Pittsburgh, PA

Designed a multi-sport cleat to extend New Balance’s brand. The sponsored research team was a multidisciplinary effort combining the schools of Design, Engineering, and Business. The final package simultaneously detailed aspects of marketing, manufacturing, and consumer appeal.

General Electric: Large Appliances

(2003: Fall) Pittsburgh, PA

Designed a new line of large appliances focused on creating visual dialogues and addressing limited mobility. The sponsored teams delivered a unified research document consisting of comparison matrices, link and problem analyses, market research, ergonomic testing, and user studies.

Education

Illinois Institute of Technology

(2007–Present) Chicago, IL
Institute of Design
MDes, Master of Design (Fall 2008 expected)

Carnegie Mellon University

(2000–2004) Pittsburgh, PA
College of Fine Arts, School of Design
BFA, Industrial Design
Cumulative GPA (Major): 4.0

Recognition

IDSA Member

(2001–Present) Industrial Designers Society of America student and professional membership.

IDSA Student Merit Award

(2004) Chosen to represent Carnegie Mellon at the IDSA Eastern Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

Andrew Carnegie Society Scholarship

(2004) Chosen to represent the School of Design in the Andrew Carnegie Society.

Phi Kappa Phi Member

(2003–Present) Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society student and professional membership.

National Collegiate Scholar

(2000–2004) Maintained standards for the National Collegiate Honor Society.

Dean’s List

(2000–2004) Maintained a QPA of over 3.5 throughout academic career.

School of Design Merit Award

(2001, 2002) Chosen as a leader among the sophomore industrial design class.

Carnegie Mellon Scholarship

(2000–2004) Full-tuition scholarship awarded upon acceptance into Carnegie Mellon University.