A Little About Me

hey again! i'm kathlyn

/cath • leen/

I'm currently a senior at the University of Houston, studying in the Cullen College of Engineering. I'm majoring in Digital Media with a focus on UX Design, aiming to build a career where creativity meets problem-solving!

Over the past few years, I've had the chance to intern at FinThrive, TA and manage at the UH UX Lab, and represent students at UXPA Houston and UX Coogs. I learned that what I care about most is figuring out why users do what they do, and designing experiences that actually make sense for them. Good design starts with listening, and I try to bring that into everything I create.

I believe design is less about making things look good and more about making things feel right. Whether I'm running a usability test, building out a prototype, or presenting to stakeholders, I try to keep the person using the product at the center of every decision.

Kathlyn

outside of work

Being a student can be pretty hectic, especially working part-time! But when I do find the time to spend on myself, I love traveling, reading, playing with video games, creating art, and hanging out with friends and family. Some of my other interests are anime, makeup, fashion, perfumes, and being a huge foodie!

I like to try my hardest in becoming a ‘Jack of All Trades, Master of All,’ so my latest learning endeavors include: archery, electric guitar, and getting my chef on in the kitchen. 👩‍🍳

If you’re curious for more, I’m just a message away!

design Figma, Framer, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, Canva
research Miro, Mural, Jira, Tableau
tools Google Workspace, Microsoft Office
code HTML & CSS, Visual Studio Code

skills in my inventory

✦ I love what I do, even the challenges.

It is easy to stay motivated when things go right, but true passion is found in the setbacks. I have learned to enjoy every facet of what I do, including the wins and the hurdles alike. And because I love the full spectrum of my work, it is why I give it my all and adapt to the challenge at hand.

✦ I’m a learning sponge.

I recognize that I still have a lot to learn in the tech industry, but I am a rapid learner. I make it a point to absorb every lesson and experience so that I can use that knowledge to output something even better than before.

✦ I always put the user first.

I believe that exceptional design begins and ends with the person using it, which is why I maintain a firm commitment to putting the user at the center of every decision. Because I prioritize user feedback, I can refine my designs and create products that feel natural and accessible to everyone.

✦ I’m a Storyteller.

To me, the most effective communication is rooted in a compelling narrative. I prioritize storytelling as a means of providing context and clarity to my work. By absorbing the nuances of each unique project, I am able to refine my storytelling techniques and deliver a more resonant final product than before.

experience

UX/UI Design Intern

FinThrive

June – December 2025

Designed high-fidelity prototypes for FinThrive's healthcare finance SaaS platform, collaborated across cross-functional teams to improve usability by up to 15%, and owned feature design from concept to iteration.

Teaching Assistant & Lab Manager

UH UX Lab

January – May 2025

Mentored 50+ students in UX Principles, conducted heuristic analysis for Ethnote, and produced a high-fidelity prototype for an STTR Breast Reconstruction Program client.

Social Media Intern & UX Student Rep

UXPA Houston

March 2024 – May 2025

Facilitated industry speakers and prototyping workshops while growing LinkedIn engagement by 20% through thoughtful, design-forward content.

Freelance Digital Content Producer

The Nuu Moon, The Million, Tiffany G'lam Pro

March 2025 – Present

Managed content strategy for three brands • grew each following by at least 20% • planned a three-day public event for The Million that drew over 200 vendors and 1,000+ attendees.

education

University of Houston

Cullen College of Engineering

Expected May 2026 - GPA 3.7

B.S. in Digital Media with a focus on User Experience.

activities

Vice President & Co-Founder

UX Coogs

September 2023 – May 2025

Hosted workshops, guest lectures, and networking events while connecting members with industry professionals and job opportunities in UX/UI design.

Volunteer & Coordinator

UH Kesem

August 2024 – Present

Facilitated educational events, interviewed counselor candidates, and partnered with other organizations to host collaborative fundraising initiatives for children's cancer programs.