I develop design tools that empower beginners to realize their creative potential.
My research leverages computational technologies to enable creative expression for the next generation of designers. I have developed design tools in the domains of animation, machine learning modeling, electronics prototyping, and online design communities for makers.
My work combines systems building and design-based research; in interdisciplinary teams, we design and build software tools and collaborate with community partners like museums, libraries, and schools to understand how these tools are used by learners in practice.
Prior to joining Barnard, I was a research scientist at 🍎 Apple and a Project Assistant Professor at the 🗼 University of Tokyo. I also spent several years as a lead UX designer and design engineer on Tinkercad at 🧰 Autodesk and on online code editors at 🎏 Glitch. I received my PhD from the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the ✨ MIT Media Lab. In my previous life as a mechanical engineer, I designed at 💡 IDEO, and 👶 Fisher-Price.
I will be on leave Fall 2025
For more about Design Tools Lab, please check out our website
I have a snack blog called Tasty Snacking where I've reviewed over 2,000 snacks.
I enjoy collecting records and was a former college radio DJ at WMBR.
I'm an avid reader and am always looking for book recommendations.
I kept a food journal of snacks and food that I ate while living in Tokyo (2020-2021).