Santa Monica College – Interaction Design (IxD) Program
Adjunct Faculty | 2025 – Present
At Santa Monica College, I teach and mentor students pursuing their Bachelor of Science degree in Interaction Design — a program that uniquely blends UX, product design, and emerging technologies.
My work focuses on preparing students for professional careers by integrating real-world UX methodologies into the curriculum.
I lead courses on user-centered design, research synthesis, journey mapping, prototyping, and usability testing — emphasizing not only technical skills but also strategic thinking and iterative problem-solving.
Beyond lectures, I mentor students 1:1 to strengthen their critical thinking, portfolio development, and ability to translate user insights into actionable design solutions. I also contribute to curriculum updates, ensuring students graduate with industry-relevant knowledge, hands-on project experience, and a deep understanding of contemporary UX practices.
Impact:
Developed course modules that blend physical and digital product design thinking.
Led curriculum updates to incorporate the latest UX tools, research trends, and accessibility standards.
Fostered a collaborative, critique-driven studio culture that mirrors modern UX teams.
Helped students secure internships and entry-level roles in a competitive market.
DesignLab – UX Academy
Design Mentor | 2021 – Present
At DesignLab, I mentor adult learners — often career changers — through an intensive UX education program centered on real-world projects and portfolio building.
I work closely with mentees across all stages of their growth:
From building foundational skills in research and design, to synthesizing findings into insights, to creating polished, case-study-ready projects. My approach combines strategic design thinking with practical career guidance, enabling students to transition into the UX field confidently.
Key elements of my mentorship include:
User Research Coaching: Teaching students how to plan and conduct interviews, usability tests, and surveys that uncover actionable insights.
Portfolio Development: Guiding students in crafting strong case studies that articulate their process, decisions, and outcomes for recruiters and hiring managers.
Career Preparation: Offering feedback on mock interviews, LinkedIn profiles, and personal branding strategies to improve job placement outcomes.
Impact:
Mentored over 40 students through UX Academy, many of whom successfully transitioned into roles at companies like Apple, PlayStation, Tender, and startups.
Focused on cultivating not just technical skills, but confidence, storytelling ability, and resilience in a competitive design job market.
Recognized for consistently high mentee feedback scores and referrals.
