Goal driven and ambitious UX Design professional with extensive experience across QA and usability testing. Dynamic leader with a track record in developing and directing high-performing teams to drive innovation using creative methods. Compelling communicator well versed in engaging key stakeholders, collaborating cross-functionally, and coaching junior members. Strong aptitude for leveraging innovative thinking across various projects while driving user-focused experiences.

Areas of Expertise

• Project Management

• Persona & Scenario Development

• Storyboards & Wireframes

• UX Design

• User Research

• Usability Testing

• Accessibility Testing

• Prototyping

• QA Testing

Technical Proficiencies

Programming & Scripting: HTML | CSS | JavaScript | Python | ReactJS | NextJS | Gatsby

Tools: Adobe XD | Adobe InDesign | InVision | Mural | Git/GitHub | Visual Studio Code | Figma

Experience Highlights

University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI
Coordinator of Digital Services | Application Administrator II
2018 - Present

Orchestrate technology and applications as administrator and functional lead of four enterprise-level systems for UW-Madison’s Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) program. Drive innovation through researching, recommending, and implementing technology and application resources including Guidebook, Starfish, and Salesforce. Facilitate L1 and L2 tech support, acting as the key liaison between IT services and the Center for the First-Year Experience (CFYE). Guide and mentor an undergraduate intern assisting the technology functions of the SOAR program and related applications. Ensure streamlined operations across all SOAR session programs, supporting staff as well as answering student and parent questions.

• Spearheaded development and improvement initiatives for four enterprise systems: SOAR Reservation System, SOAR Advising Module (SAM), Preparing for SOAR, and New Student To-Do List, used by thousands of students and hundreds of staff members.

• Functional project lead on the creation of a new student portal to curate and centralize applications as well as communications with students during their transition into UW-Madison.

• Directed redesign and redevelopment of SOAR Reservation System as well as SOAR Advising Module, utilizing innovative technology to address evolving growth and needs of SOAR program.

• Managed streamlined transition from in-person orientation programs to online programs during COVID-19 pandemic.

• Recognized as Outstanding New OTR (Orientation, Transition, and Retention) Professional by Region V of NODA (Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention Professionals in Higher Education) in 2020.

University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI
Graduate Certificate in User Experience Design Student
2020

Successfully completed program with design and development of robust prototype, including market and user research, persona development, as well as low and high-fidelity designs.

Raven Software (Activision/Blizzard), Middleton, WI
Senior Quality Assurance Tester (2017 - 2018)
Quality Assurance Tester (2014 - 2017)
2014-2018

Managed team of testers through development milestones and releases of software for various video games. Developed test cases, content sweeps, and milestone test plans, collaborating with production teams on deadline and project requirements. Tested pre-release video games to verify functionality, data content, performance, usability/playability, as well as hardware/software compatibility. Produced detailed documentation on defects utilizing DevTrack and Jira, distributing findings and actions to design teams.

• Significantly contributed to successful launches of six AAA video games in the Call of Duty franchise, providing key insights on designs and functions developed.

• Successfully slashed required team overtime by 50% by leveraging strategic time management and creating test plans for first time success.

• Headed continuous QA support for ongoing video games with millions of players worldwide, including a China-only Free to Play version called Call of Duty Online with new content and updates released monthly.

Vicarious Visions (Activision/Blizzard), Menands, NY
Senior Quality Assurance Tester (2013)
Quality Assurance Tester (2012 - 2013)
2012-2013

Led testing on new video games prior to launch, ensuring all specifications and requirements were satisfied. Actively engaged in daily Missions (Levels) Design scrum as well as large production meetings, distributing important information to the team. Managed evaluation of game reporting metrics functionality as well as playtesting feedback videos and reports for further fixes and improvements. Identified issues and ran debugging programs to ensure resolution. Recorded all defects, creating and distributing reports outlining defects and processes followed to fix defects. Leveraged knowledge and expertise to assist software developers in early development stages, highlighting potential issues, assessing risks, and resolving issues before launch.

• Spearheaded development of onboarding program for 20 incoming employees, increasing speed with which new employees understood tools and procedures for seamless transitions into roles.

• Promoted to Senior QA Tester within three months due to outstanding work ethic, fast-learning capabilities, and leveraging creative thinking with testing.

• Actively engaged in successful AAA title launch within Skylanders franchise, ensuring player quality and functionality expectations met before launch.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Human-Computer Interaction Masters Student
2009 - 2012

Learned innovative industry theories and procedures utilized globally in design and software implementation, with coursework in human-computer interaction combined with theory in allied areas such as technical communication, human factors, information design, cognitive science, and computer science. of Cognitive Modeling and Technical Communication. Researched and analyzed topics covered in lectures in order to acquire better understanding of concepts for application after graduation. Explored fundamental topics, including User Experience Design, Interactive Data Visualization, Information Design, User Experience Methods, and Interface Design. Performed research, led presentations, and designed and managed group projects.

• Recipient of Founders Award for Excellence in Fall of 2011.

• Acted as Peer Advisor for Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Students.

• Membership Chair for RPI Players from Fall 2010 to Spring 2011.

• Stage Manager, Director, and Publicity Director for various theater shows.

• Alpha Psi Omega – Theatrical Honor Society Member.

• Student Orientation Coordinator, Summer 2009: Led and supervised a team of student advisors to facilitate RPI’s Orientation programs.

Education

Graduate Certificate User-Experience Design
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Completed program 2020

M.S. Human‐Computer Interaction
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Graduated 2012

B.S. Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Graduated 02012

Presentations

• The New Student GPS: A Digital Experience to Ease Transition

  • NODA Annual Conference 2019 | Houston, TX | October 2019

• SPRINT! How to tackle big problems in a week

  • IT Professionals Conference 2019 | Madison, WI | June 2019

• No (User) Experience Necessary: Digital Experiences by Non-Designers

  • NODA Region V Conference 2019 | Drake University, Des Moines, IA | March 2019

Awards

• Outstanding New OTR Professional Award

  • NODA (Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education) - Region V | Apr 2020