I am a recent MFA graduate from the University of Arizona. I grew up in Iran, where I earned my BFA and began teaching as a lead instructor and an assistant in various art classes. Working with students of different ages helped me develop strong communication skills and an ability to empathize with people from diverse backgrounds, as well as the internal and external challenges that can stand in the way of learning or achieving goals.

Currently, I teach undergraduate courses at the University of Arizona while continuing to explore my artistic practice. When I began my graduate studies, I chose an interdisciplinary program that allowed me to explore both art and design. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to UI/UX design. I started taking design courses which helped me understand user behavior, interaction, and the impact of thoughtful, intentional design.

Exploring design thinking alongside artistic thinking transformed how I approach challenges and develop ideas. This shift deepened my passion for UX/UI and opened up new ways to integrate creativity and empathy into the design process.

During my program, I joined the University of Arizona’s UX team, where I gained hands-on experience in a real-world design environment. Working with cross-functional teams across departments gave me insight into the complexities of professional UX work, from navigating constraints to collaborating on research and design.