I grew up dreaming of going to Michigan State University, getting a computer science degree, getting a coding job, and living happily ever after. So after graduating high school in 2009, I went off to MSU.

I quickly realized I didn't actually want to be a computer programmer. I changed gears and aimed at a degree in Information Communication Technology. During the summers, I was a camp counselor in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. My time at Camp Barakel gave me invaluable insight into conflict resolution, empathy, and leadership. In 2013, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Media Communication Technology, with a focus in Information Communication Technology, and a cognate in German. Following an internship at the Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN), I accepted a position at Michigan State University in the department of Communications and Brand Strategy (CABS), providing desktop and server-side support to 60 users. My role shifted a few times, eventually more resembling the responsibilities of a business analyst as I integrated UX principles into my job.

As I continued to grow in my knowledge of UX, I accepted a role as a User Experience Designer for Auto-Owners Insurance. I regularly performed usability tests and field guides while also grasping the concepts and principles around wireframing, iterating on designs, and creating finalized prototypes for development. I contributed to many projects that help create positive experiences for employees and independent insurance agents.

I received my Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction at Michigan State University, where I gained valuable knowledge about Human-Computer Interaction in general and in experience design specifically. I am proud of the projects I have completed related to these classes.

Currently, I am a Principal User Researcher at Liberty Mutual Insurance, supporting internal functions such as HR, Finance, Data, and more. I am particularly interested in understanding the transformation large enterprises are undergoing to improve on the experience of AI in the workplace.

I am passionate about my wonderful wife, our four children, how people use technology, and how we can improve these interactions by empathizing and listening to those around us. My free time is split between serving in our church, spending time with my family, tinkering with computers, tablets, and phones, and keeping up with trends across the world of technology.