About Me

Nice to meet you.

My name is Joanne and I'm a UX Researcher, strategist, and storyteller all wrapped into one.

My love for research goes back to when my district challenged all 4th-12th grade students to complete a research project each semester. Imagine my surprise when I entered my bachelor's program and in every class, including swim, I needed to conduct research to pass. In both scenarios, I was hesitant about research, but soon grew to enjoy learning new things, creating space for meaningful collaboration, and sharing impactful findings as the years went on.

As time passed, my delight for human-centered research grew and I was, and still am, grateful for the resilience and comfort with ambiguity that I built throughout the years.

Fast forward to today, and you'll find that I've conducted research on client projects with topics ranging from behavioral change to smart cities with IoT to machine learning and, even space.

Over the years, I've utilized my 10+ years of theatre (+ a stint as an improv captain), my studies of film/tv, and my social science background to tell meaningful stories and connect with others empathetically. Through collaboration and being sensitive to others' needs, I'm able to create user experiences that are intuitive and enjoyable. ‍

View my Resume

Joanne in a colorful dress holding a camera in the gardens at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh

Me at the top of Black Mountain in Cave Creek, Arizona

My research approach

I'm consistent in promoting empathy with design, product, engineering, business teams, and additional stakeholders. Two heads are always better than one. That's why teamwork and collaboration are at the forefront of my mind. This allows me to achieve meaningful impact by partnering with, and supporting, others.

With a love for data (qualitative and quantitative), I always ensure that my research is high-level and tangible. There is no space for lengthy, complicated reports and read-outs. I'm all about well-communicated, actionable insights. Good research is understood, but great research lays the barrier-free foundation to take action.

My growth-oriented mindset, ownership abilities, and effective communication skills allow me to be on common ground with others. It's important for me to be adaptable and creative in my research, but also when fostering authentic connections. This helps me create human-centered, and enjoyable, user experiences.

Joanne presenting research to an audience with her design partner, Sidra

What I do outside of research

In my free time, you'll find me going on hikes, taking pictures, cooking, reading, and listening to music.

I'm currently reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.

I'm always listening to something by Jungle or Khruangbin.

About Me

Nice to meet you.

My research approach

Clients that I've worked with

What I do outside of research