Work Projects
Understanding Dormant Firebase Builds
At Google, I worked as a User Experience Research Intern on the Firebase team, where I investigated why users frequently create new builds and then leave them dormant. Collaborating closely with product managers, data scientist intern, and fellow UX researchers, I designed and deployed a survey, followed by in-depth 1:1 interviews, to uncover user motivations and behavioral patterns. The findings provided actionable insights to inform future product and onboarding strategies.
Agricultural Robitics -Understanding Integration Barriers & User Needs
As a User Experience Research Contractor at Farm-ng, I led exploratory research on the Amiga micro-tractor by conducting in-depth interviews with both current users and non-users, including farmers. I identified key user needs, preferences, and concerns—particularly around hesitation and resistance among non-users. I collaborated closely with UX designers, engineers, and the business development team to translate findings into actionable product recommendations and support future ideation.
Exploring User Preferences in Facebook Stories Editing
At Meta, I worked as a User Experience Research Intern focusing on how users edit content within Facebook Stories. I conducted a comprehensive literature review to shape research direction and collaborated with cross-functional partners, including product designers, engineers, and data scientists. I independently led 1:1 interviews to uncover user behaviors, preferences, and pain points, and translated findings into actionable insights. I also facilitated a workshop with stakeholders to inform future ideation and product development.
Academic Projects
A Game-Based Approach to Intergenerational Healing
For my PhD dissertation, I explored how serious games can foster intergenerational healing in Latine families by addressing acculturative stress, identity, and communication barriers—particularly around gender and sexuality. I developed the Acculturative Game Design (AGD) Framework, a culturally grounded participatory design tool informed by behavior change theory and self-determination theory. Through literature reviews, community workshops, and a pilot study of a mobile game prototype, Tu Jardín, I demonstrated how games can support dialogue and emotional connection between immigrant parents and their first-generation adult children. This work contributes actionable strategies for inclusive game design and mental health support within culturally diverse communities.
A Serious Game for Teaching Relationship Safety to Adults with Developmental Disabilities
As part of an academic research project, I designed and developed a Unity-based serious game called Boundaries, aimed at helping adults with developmental disabilities recognize personal relationship boundaries and identify at-risk behaviors. The game presented randomized, real-life scenarios with real-time feedback to support behavioral learning through gamification. I conducted a user study with ten participants, collecting gameplay data and qualitative survey feedback. Findings showed the game effectively engaged users on the topic of boundaries, with notable behavioral differences observed across participants exhibiting varying risk levels. The project highlights the potential of interactive games as educational tools for vulnerable populations.
Designing an Alternative Controller Game with Real-Time Communication and Voice Interaction
I designed Catnip Craze Maze, a cooperative Unity game controlled by a custom Arduino-based hardware interface. I developed the hardware controller from scratch—programming analog buttons, LEDs, and a microphone—and implemented serial communication between the Arduino and Unity. The game supports up to four players who work together to navigate a procedurally generated maze, with gameplay requiring real-time communication and voice interaction. I handled game development end-to-end, integrating 3D assets, creating custom prefabs, scripting event-based behaviors, and implementing enemy AI. This project challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and strengthened my technical skills in both hardware and software development.
