Profile:
I have studied commercial art since my A.S. in 1994 and have worked in the advertising agency industry since its early inception. I have a career background in both corporate (Wall Street law firm) and (Madison Ave) ad agencies. I have an academic and professional background spanning animation; user experience design; information architecture; knowledge management; literature; web design and development; as well as visual, digital, print production, fine arts, art history, oil painting and mixed media.
I completed my BA from Columbia University and my MS from KSU in User Experience Design (UXD). Additionally, I have multiple certificates from Noble Desktop and the NY Code + Design Academy. Aside from being a professional student myself, I have remote, a/synchronous, hybrid and, in both the classroom and lab setting, professional teaching experience. I’ve taught branding, design, typography, color theory, code, Adobe software, studio arts, user experience design, interaction design, interface design, portfolio management, digital graphics and imaging.
As well I have career experience as a visual designer and production artist; as well as Assistant, Associate and Adjunct Design Professor for undergraduate, graduate students, as well as thesis advisee and industry expert and SME for panels. Formerly St. John’s University, Berkeley, NYU SPS, Parson’s | The New School, CUNY Baruch & CITH, CW, undergrad/graduate at Touro Grad School of Tech and Lander, and NYIT. As well as full time Assistant Professor at Penn State.
I am an enthusiastic, responsive and devoted teacher and mentor to my students. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out during or after class. I have a vested interest in their success both professionally and ethically. Having started my career at a technical school garnering my first job in the industry before the completion of my portfolio class I know the value of both practical applications and the theory behind the work.
My career has spanned many trends and waves of change. I have earned certificates throughout to stay abreast of technological advances. Primarily recognizing that design is at the crossroads of this changing landscape as well as traditional and classic methods and principles. Technology can only produce to the level of the input of the user and that’s what I specialize in, best practices and tips and tricks. What you take away from the course and remember and apply in 6 months is key. I am both a driven and passionate learner that looks forward to discovering new things alongside my students, as well as cheerleading and coaching as necessary!
Degrees Held:
B.A. in Literature, Columbia University (2007)
M.S. in User Experience Design, KSU (2017)
Research Interests:
Disruptive Technology and the Future; Storytelling; User Experience Design; TESOL
Courses I have taught:
Typography I+II
Color Theory
Design Theory
Portfolio Management
Building Your Brand
Digital Graphics I, II + III
Digital Imaging I+II
Basic Photoshop
Advanced Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe After Effects
User Interface Design
User Experience Design [+Intro + Applied]
Interaction Design [Web + Mobile]
HTML5 + CSS3
Studio Drawing
Visual Storytelling
Internet Writing
Web Development I + II
Transformative Learning
Digital Literacy
Basics of Communication
Transmedia
Information Architecture + Content Strategy
Design Studio
Design Foundations
User Interface + Prototyping Design
Graphic Design I, II + III
Thesis & Capstone Advisee
Principles of Game Design