Experience
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
April 2022 – Present
I am currently employed as the Senior User Experience Designer within the Communications and Public Engagement department within the Government of Alberta. This role has given me an opportunity to leverage my academic research background while still utilizing my deep knowledge of design and creative problem-solving. My role requires the ongoing management of projects as they relate to the UX team, as well as managing the expectations and next steps for the project across teams. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to work with users of the Alberta.ca website with the intention of discovering and developing potential solutions for common issues related to navigation and understanding.
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
May 2011 – April 2022
I was employed as the Design & Creative Strategy Lead in the Office of the Registrar at the University of Alberta. As design lead on all current and prospective student communications, I gained significant insight into the needs and concerns of post-secondary students, as well as high-school students working to further their education — providing me with in-depth knowledge of both Millennials and Generation Z. Through my position at the U of A, I acted as a design mentor to design students completing their internship as well as to the permanent production artist, designer, photographer, and videographer positions. Being the supervisor for a small staff has taught me a lot about leadership and who I want to be as a creative for both my employees as well as for my clients.
DISPLAY PUBLICATIONS INC.
April 2008 – December 2015
From 2008 to 2011, I developed Display Magazine; a printed, quarterly design publication that acted as a platform for up-and-coming Canadian designers to showcase their work on a national level. This locally produced publication explored the limitless talent of design-minded Canadians and continued to do so via the online iteration. As director of my own company, I not only strengthened my organizational skills but also learned to work efficiently under strict timelines. The tools I gained through owning my own business, such as collecting and distributing information, proofreading, maintaining the production schedule, writing press and media releases,
as well as mentoring creative contributors, are invaluable and will be a great asset to me in any career.
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION OF MACEWAN UNIVERSITY
February 2009 – May 2011
Working for the Students’ Association of MacEwan was my introduction to student-focused design and communication. As the Senior Designer, I was a creative mentor for the permanent Junior Designer and Production Assistant positions, as well as to a number of student interns. Being the design lead for MacEwan Student Services was an incredible opportunity for me to learn about the needs of that audience, while also working with them to better understand those needs.
PERPETUAL NOTION GRAPHIC DESIGN
December 2007 – February 2009
Perpetual Notion’s unique firm strategy granted me the chance to work not only as a graphic designer but also as an account coordinator. This experience afforded me opportunity to develop the skills I needed to work one on one with clients as well as my written and oral communication.
RED COMMUNICATIONS
May 2006 – December 2007
As the graphic designer for both the Edmonton and Vancouver offices, RED allowed me to grow professionally and learn the ins and outs of the design process early in my career. Being the designer for two offices provided me with the chance to use my creative problem solving and design thinking skills which granted me to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
RETHINK COMMUNICATIONS
April 2006 – June 2006
After graduating from Grant MacEwan I was fortunate enough to complete my internship with Rethink Vancouver, in the creative department. I was worked on local projects, such as advertisements for the Vancouver Sculpture Biennale and Granville Brewing Company, as well as national projects, like Solo Mobile and Dose Media. Rethink was a great place for me to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
September 2020 – Present
Master of Arts (Thes) in Human Ecology — Material Culture
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
September 2012 – June 2017
Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (honours) — Clothing, Textiles & Material Culture
GRANT MACEWAN COLLEGE
September 2003 – April 2005
Design Studies Diploma — Digital Media
qualifications
PROFESSIONAL
CASE Communications Awards (2021): Silver Circle of Excellence
CASE Communications Awards (2018): 1 Silver for print media, 3 Bronze for online campaigns
Juno Awards (2013): Recording Package of the Year Judge
EDCUP Conference (2011): Keynote Speaker
University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts Presentation (2009): Presenter
Pecha Kucha Night (2008): Presenter
Applied Arts Award (2007): Agency Self-Promotion
EDUCATIONAL
Fashion Practice Magazine (2021): More Than Just Appearance — Management of Clothing-Related Odor in Everyday Life
Transitioning to Responsible Consumption and Production (2020): Smell and Sustainability — Can odour shorten the life span of clothing?
ITAA Conference (2016): Odour Study Research Presentation
URI Research Presentation (2014): Agriculture, Life, & Environmental Sciences
Deans List (2013 – 2017): Agriculture, Life, & Environmental Sciences
Jason Lang Scholarship (2005 – 2006): Grant MacEwan Design Studies
Deans List (2005 – 2006): Grant MacEwan Design Studies