I'm Claire, and I've always been a maker.

It may have started out with Lincoln Logs™, and now it's with 3D printers and Figma, but a lot of the things are still the same.

As a freshman at the University of Washington, I wasn’t familiar with Human-Centered Design & Engineering, and I thought I wasn't drawn to computer science. Four years later, I’ve found myself in a field that aligns perfectly with my passions.

My renewed interest in programming led me to pursue coursework beyond my major, allowing me to gain the skills needed to write code and build full-stack applications. This complements my deep interest in understanding how people interact with technology—their motivations, needs, and desires. My goal is to create systems that are both efficient and delightful, promoting positive user experiences.

Now, with a B.S. in Human-Centered Design & Engineering, I’ve had the opportunity to ideate, iterate, and prototype with a variety of tools across diverse teams. As a former collegiate rower, I bring strong communication, patience, and drive to every project. I’m excited to embark on my career in design and tech, eager to keep learning, and committed to being a thoughtful and responsible maker.

This is one of my favorite quotes (by Goethe):

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

In the past, I have been someone who wanted a clear idea of all the steps and how to do them before I started building something new. I have learned to trust that if I start from the beginning with a committed and open mind, the path forward will make itself apparent.

Experience

University of Washington:
- B.S. Human-Centered Design & Engineering
- Minor in Data Science
- 3 years of mixed design, research, and development methods

Skills

Python || Java || Web Development || API Development || UX/UI Design || Wireframing || Prototyping || User Research || Data Visualization || Communication || Leadership

Kudos

Many of my projects done within my HCDE curriculum were team projects, and I am so grateful to have worked with other kind and creative peer designers and developers.