About
On this page, you’ll learn about my journey into UX research—from my background in anthropology to what led me into a UXR career. I also share what drives my passion for research, the kinds of problems I love solving, and a few hobbies that keep me inspired outside of work.
Early Beginnings
I was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and currently live in Austin, Texas — but my heart has always belonged to New Mexico. As a proud Nuevomexicana, I’m deeply connected to the history, culture, and people of New Mexico. This connection drives my passion for learning and sharing the complexities and beauty of the state, and it has shaped how I see the world and how I approach my work as a researcher.
Anthropologist At Heart
My connection to culture led me to study anthropology in college, with a focus on cultural and linguistic anthropology. Through my coursework and capstone, I explored how language and culture shape how humans perceive the world around us—fueling my love for understanding how people live and connect across cultures. I've traveled to seven countries (and counting) and I am passionate about learning languages—currently studying Spanish, with past experience in French, Mandarin, and Korean. Over the course of my journey, I grew curious about how technology shapes human behavior—and vice versa—which ultimately led me to UX research, where I merge cultural insight, communication, and behavioral analysis to better understand and improve the relationship between people and digital experiences.
UX Journey
My UX research journey began four years ago with the Google UX Design course, where I built a foundation in UX design and user-centered research. I then became the first UX Research Intern at Ascent Global Logistics, where I collaborated with cross-functional teams and helped establish lasting research practices. After six months, I joined Verizon’s Rapid Research team, sharpening my skills in agile studies and accessibility-focused work. I was later promoted to Portfolio Research Lead for the Support portfolio, where I led research strategy, built strong stakeholder relationships, and delivered insights that drive impactful product decisions.
Confessions of a Research Romantic
I’m driven by the challenge of uncovering the root causes behind user frustrations and understanding the motivations that shape their behaviors. I especially love interacting with participants and hearing how they perceive the world and digital experiences. For me, formulating the right questions is truly an art form where researchers are crafting the right wording to unlock meaningful insights. Catching those moments when a user says something that perfectly captures what others have been trying to express is one the most exulting moments in a research study. There's something powerful about decoding the specific words users choose and connecting their language to their lived experiences. Every study is an opportunity to listen, learn, and build with empathy.
Outside of UXR
When I’m not working, I’m delving into one on my many hobbies like weightlifting, hiking, painting, crafting, gardening, cooking, playing board games, or relaxing with cozy video games like Animal Crossing. I also love to dog-sit, so I’m rarely without furry company. But my absolute favorite companion is my dog Squid—he’s undoubtedly my bestie and an excellent research assistant (even though he doesn’t know how to read).