I started off as a social science researcher in population science and organizational studies. As an academic, you identify and diagnose problems though solutions are harder to find. I eventually transitioned to a program evaluation consultancy of state and municipal programs, using mixed methods research. Here, I learned I cared much more for applied research than academic research and found great satisfaction in providing concrete recommendations to make programs effective.

Some time later, I expressed this new interest in applied research and design by enrolling in a Masters in Human-Computer Interaction degree at DePaul University (and I just graduated, June 2025!!). I continued to narrow the scope of my work, which brings me to my current role as a clean energy consultant. I conduct research in evaluation of utility programs and market research of energy efficient technologies.

Over the years, the scope of research I do has shrunk. At the same time, it’s more tangible than ever– from research of phenomena, to design, product, and experience.