I am a Graphic & Experience Design graduate student at NC State, building on a foundation that will always be graphic design. My work centers on designing for people first, using research to understand real needs, solve real problems, and expand access for diverse communities. My path into design began early with a love for creativity, strengthened through studying graphic design at Coastal Carolina University and internships at Carowinds and CCU Marketing. I later expanded my leadership and storytelling skills as Lead Design Editor for the Technician newspaper, managing branding and guiding a collaborative visual team. Throughout all of this, one question has shaped my practice: Why this story, for this person, in this moment?

A big part of who I am comes from athletics. Growing up playing softball and competing at the collegiate level taught me discipline, resilience, structure, and the ability to manage demanding commitments. These are qualities that now anchor how I design, collaborate, and move through complex challenges. Today, my curiosity lives at the intersection of pop culture, media, and storytelling, especially how visual language highlights Black history and shapes culture. I’m also exploring ethical and accessible AI as a research assistant with the Laboratory of Analytical Sciences, where I focus on transparency and explainability. Moving forward, I hope to bring together my graphic design roots, my love of media and entertainment, and the research-driven core of UX design to create work that opens access, deepens connection, and makes meaningful impact for the communities it serves. My long-term aspiration is to pursue creative direction, where I can shape larger narratives and guide visual worlds.