I am committed to creating inclusive, accessible technologies that enable adults with Down syndrome (DS) to achieve their personal and occupational goals. My research is guided by a collaborative, user-centered approach that includes building connections with the DS community, engaging in co-design studies, and conducting user studies of technology solutions. Through this process, I strive to bridge the gap between technological innovation and the lived experiences of adults with DS.
I want to build technology that helps adults with Down syndrome (DS) reach their personal and work goals. I don't just design in isolation — I talk with and learn from the DS community, work with them to shape ideas, and test technology with real users. The goal is to make sure what I build actually fits into people's real lives.
Highlights of my work include:
Some examples of my work:
- Conducting qualitative interview studies with adults with DS, their parents, and experts to explore how technology is currently used within their daily lives and identify opportunities for technology support.
Interviewing adults with Down syndrome, their families, and specialists to learn how they use technology today and where new tools could help.
- Completing a systematic scoping literature review to uncover gaps in existing research and inform the design of future assistive technologies.
Reviewing many research papers to find out what has already been made and where more work is still needed.
- Leading technology probe studies to prototype and refine innovative budgeting systems that integrate AR, gamification, and tangible interfaces.
Building and testing simple budgeting tools. Including a game-style app, an augmented reality app, and a hands-on physical device to see what people like.
- Assessing computer security and privacy notifications to develop more accessible systems for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Studying how adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities interact with security alerts and privacy pop-ups on computers and phones to make better alerts.
My goal is to ensure that every project centers the voices of adults with DS, designing technologies that are not only functional but also empowering and meaningful.
In every project, the people I'm designing for have a real say. The goal isn't just technology that works, it's technology that actually matters to the people using it.
