Data Visualization for Tableau Dashboard
Data visualization has the power to bring clarity to complex issues, and that was the goal when developing a Tableau dashboard that explored abortion and birth rate trends in Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than push a particular perspective, the focus was on designing something that gave the data room to speak for itself. I designed the visualization so viewers could draw their own conclusions, using neutral colors and clear comparisons for objectivity.
Technical issues added another layer of complexity. The software often crashed, which meant constantly saving progress, creating multiple backup files, and adjusting the workflow to avoid overloading the system. Instead of letting those setbacks stall progress, the situation became an opportunity to problem-solve. Breaking the work into smaller sessions and planning around the tool’s limitations-built resilience and flexibility. Despite the frustration, it created a stronger understanding of how to manage tools under pressure—a skill that is just as important as design or research.
This project also offered an important lesson in ethical storytelling. Every decision—from the order in which information was displayed to the style of the graphs—had the potential to shape perceptions. Throughout the process, careful attention was paid to how even small design choices could influence interpretation. The experience reinforced the idea that responsibility comes with presenting data, especially when the topic is as personal and socially relevant as reproductive health.
Workplace Employee Engagement Podcast
Clear communication in the workplace requires more than just delivering facts: it depends on creating a connection with the audience. This podcast script aimed to do just that, offering employees updates on COVID-19’s impact on business and second-quarter sales results. To write an engaging script, the tone remained conversational, and transitions were crafted to guide the listeners naturally from topic to topic.
Writing for spoken delivery introduced unique challenges. Phrases that looked polished on the page did not always translate well when spoken aloud. Reading the script during the revision process helped find awkward transitions and wording that felt unnatural.
I had a strong interest in podcasting going into this project, but this experience deepened that appreciation. It became clear just how much rhythm, tone, and word choice influence how listeners absorb and respond to information. Producing this update offered insight into the nuance and creativity behind effective audio communication.
Informational Poster for Urban Beekeeping in St. Louis
A strong visual can turn complex information into an engaging and persuasive message. This project focused on designing an informational poster about urban beekeeping, applying visual communication principles while localizing content to St. Louis. The design combined typography, imagery, and layout to effectively convey the importance of beekeeping, while data visualization grounded the message in research.
Finding the right balance between design and local relevance was a challenge. Early drafts incorporated St. Louis colors and landmarks, but the feedback from peers and my professor revealed that the wording—not the visuals—needed further localization. Clarifying this led to stronger city-specific references, reinforcing how communication gaps in feedback can affect the design process.
My connection to St. Louis and my interest in bees shaped how I approached this project. Blending research about bees along with my awareness of the community of St. Louis, MO, helped create a message that felt meaningful and relevant to a local audience. It was a good reminder of how visual storytelling can make an impact on locals when its design and wording are tailored to the community.
Persona Profile Project
The Persona Profile Project offered a chance to explore the intersection of research, creativity, and communications. Developing a fictional character meant more than filling in traits, it required imagining a full, nuanced individual with clear goals, motivations, and personal challenges. Background research into similar audiences helped ground the persona, making her feel relatable and authentic. These details made a noticeable difference in how the rest of the work came together, from the tone of her business proposal to the style of her website.
Finding the right balance between expectations for the project and the use of creativity was one of the more demanding parts of the assignment. It would have been easy to fall into a formulaic rhythm, but the goal was to avoid that. Instead, the approach centered on including details like communication habits, business preferences, and even quirks in her personality that added dimension and depth. Once her voice started to take shape, writing from her perspective became more natural, and the entire project gained cohesion.
This assignment served as a reminder of the importance of audience awareness. Creating a persona was not about making a random person, it was about thinking critically about who they are, what they care about, and how to connect with them effectively. That kind of thinking is essential in every communication context, and this project provided a foundation for applying that mindset in professional settings.