I'm Melanie, a product designer with a passion for creating meaningful, end-to-end user experiences—from unboxing hardware to refining the smallest interface details. My work is grounded in deep empathy, critical thinking, and an insatiable curiosity about how people perceive and interact with the world.

Before transitioning into design, I was a researcher and educator at the University of Chicago, where I explored how culture and mental health intersect in the field of Cultural Psychiatry. I also taught Professional Writing in the Humanities, an experience that sharpened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively—skills that now shape how I tell stories and advocate for thoughtful UX.

As the daughter of immigrants, I learned early how to switch contexts quickly, move between cultures fluidly, and find common ground with people from all walks of life. I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago, where I conducted research on how the sociopolitical upheaval of perestroika impacted the children of former Soviet immigrants. I also earned a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where I studied cognition, learned French, and started thinking deeply about how biology, culture, and technology interact.

Design, for me, is the ideal convergence of all these threads: human behavior, cultural nuance, clear communication, and creative strategy. I believe that technology should enhance our biological and cognitive strengths—not overwhelm them. That belief drives me to design systems and experiences that are intuitive, inclusive, and deeply human.

I was first inspired to pursue UX by watching my stepfather’s work in the field, and I've since brought that inspiration into my own practice. I think holistically, work collaboratively, and thrive at the intersection of big-picture vision and detail-oriented execution. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me immersed in creative strategy games—another place where empathy, systems thinking, and storytelling come together.