PORTFOLIO

Information Design

These projects represent my interest in delving deeper into the world of UX design. I began by enrolling in a Udemy course to learn more about the intricacies of Figma. As a result, I became proficient in some of the Figma basics: creating mood boards and color swatches; using grids, rows, and columns to arrange elements; applying animations to enhance interactivity; and more! These project allowed me to enhance my technical skills and also provided invaluable insights into the workflows and processes of UX professionals, ultimately broadening my understanding of user experience design.

This Microsoft Word user manual was developed as part of my Technical Communications (I) class and guides users through the process of formatting a Master of Fine Arts thesis in MS Word 2023 for MacOS. I picked up some essential technical communication skills along the way, such as producing user-centered documentation in a modular fashion, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding for the end user. I also learned how to apply the basics of visual hierarchy and information design principles to enhance the manual's usability and visual appeal. Additionally, I conducted user research and tests to assess the effectiveness of my instructions, further honing my ability to create clear and accessible technical documentation tailored to user needs.

This project was my dive into the world of web development, where I was able to get hands-on with HTML and CSS to create a functional website. I not only learned how to write and read code using Visual Studio Code but also to independently troubleshooting when faced with (many) challenges. This journey taught me the importance of perseverance in coding—every bug fixed was a small victory that added to my skills and confidence as a developer.

This MadCap Flare project introduced me to the powerful capabilities of MadCap software, where I developed my content authoring skills and leveraged the skills I acquired in HTML. Additionally, I became acquainted with the process of creating PDFs using MadCap Flare, enhancing my technical proficiency. Through this project, I also gained valuable insights into disability and accessibility, underscoring the importance of fostering an inclusive digital environment. This experience not only broadened my technical skill set but also deepened my understanding of creating accessible content for all users.

During my internship with UMass IT, I worked on a series of sitemaps for the main navigation bar and service catalog of their website. I took stock of the content of their website’s navbar and service catalog, helping IT revamp and rebuild their site in Drupal 10. This project gave me a solid grasp of how information architecture influences user experience and the crucial role of well-organized content in web development.

Professional Writing

I produced this 16-page faux grant proposal seeking funding for an afterschool reading and writing program for refugee children in the Washtenaw County area as part of my Intro to Professional writing class. This project required targeted research to identify a specific problem and come up with a possible solution. My goal with this piece was to present, summarize, and synthesize information in a coherent document.

A compendium of the content I wrote while interning at "Study Breaks Magazine," ranging from listicles to thinkpieces and interviews with student leaders on campuses across the country. I gained experience in interviewing, basic SEO, and writing a lot of content very quickly. Some of my personal favorites pieces: A retrospective on Zadie Smith's White Teeth; a Q&A with then-Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman; my life as a stutterer.

Fiction

A short story set in South India during the Emergency, following a young boy who is growing into a way of being he doesn't yet understand. Winner of the 2019 Hopwood Award for Undergraduate Short Fiction and the 2019 Robert F. Haugh Prize.

An excerpt from a novel submitted as part of my senior thesis about a family returning to the secrets from their past.