Experience
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
April 2022 – Present
As the Assistant Director of Research, Analysis, and Digital Experience within Communications and Public Engagement, I act as a strategic bridge between high-level provincial policy and the citizens who interact with Alberta.ca. I lead the User Experience and Analytics teams, manage diverse stakeholder expectations, and direct research initiatives that solve complex navigational challenges for Albertans. As a result, the Government of Alberta's digital presence isn’t just functional; it's deeply rooted in the needs and behaviours of our users.
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
May 2011 – April 2022
As the Design & Creative Strategy Lead for prospective student recruitment and current student communications, my time at the University of Alberta was a period of significant professional evolution. This era was defined by leadership through mentorship; I supervised a multi-disciplinary team of designers, photographers, and videographers, fostering an environment where human-centred design could flourish. By applying my burgeoning interest in Human Ecology to student communications, I helped the institution move toward a more sophisticated, empathetic approach to engaging with the next generation of learners.
DISPLAY PUBLICATIONS INC.
April 2008 – December 2015
Display Magazine was a quarterly, print design publication that served as a platform for up-and-coming Canadian designers to showcase their work on a national level. Founding and directing Display was my opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and national brand-building. What started as a passion project became a recognized platform for Canadian design, requiring management of the entire lifecycle of a media brand. From editorial curation and print production design to coordinating a national network of contributors, this experience taught me to lead a national conversation and manage the rigorous operational demands of a high-visibility publication.
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION OF MACEWAN UNIVERSITY
February 2009 – May 2011
Working for the Students’ Association of MacEwan was my introduction to leadership in design and communications. As the Senior Designer, I served as a creative mentor for the permanent Junior Designer and Production Assistant positions, as well as for several 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 them.
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