About

I’m a curious person. I’m curious about technology, about people, and about how the two relate. I’m interested to know if there is a way to improve the interactions we have with the devices and systems that are an increasingly important part of our lives. I’d love to know how these devices are shaping the interactions we have with each other.

This curiosity has taken me many places in my life. As a kid growing up in Northeast Ohio, I was always interested in machines and later, computers. This interest ultimately led me to chose to study computer science at Calvin College. I spent several years as a software developer, creating rich Internet applications with Adobe Flex, Java, and Oracle database tools. When I realized that the really interesting problems in software aren’t how the systems are created but how they’re used, I chose to pursue a graduate degree in human-computer interaction at the University of Michigan School of Information.

Since graduating from the University of Michigan, I’ve been working with the Experience Design group at Adobe Systems. In this role, I’ve been focusing on user research and usability, both on the Flash Builder team and on the Customer Engagements (XDCE) team. Most recently, I’ve been working with XDCE on a project with WIRED Magazine, serving as a user advocate while we design the future of magazines on tablet computers like the iPad. You can check out the concept and design as well as the release videos online.

As far as hobbies go, I enjoy reading, riding my bicycle, and sailing. I like to be involved with my community, and I’ve really enjoyed volunteering with various organizations in the past. I’ve also dabbled in woodworking. (Well, I’ve actually built an 11′ wooden sailboat named Temerity, which might seem like more than dabbling, but I feel like I still have a lot to learn!)

If you’d like to learn more, feel free to download my résumé or send me an email.