Sarah J. Smith, PhD
UX Designer
Profile
Analytical and innovative researcher transitioning from a background in molecular biology to UX design. I am an expert at synthesizing complex data into clear, impactful designs and presentations, with a proven track record of enhancing understandability for diverse audiences. I am passionate about bridging design and science to create user-friendly biotech products.
Projects
Yale Postdoctoral Association Website Redesign
March, 2024 - present
Led a successful redesign of the postdoctoral association website by collaborating with stakeholders to identify issues with the current site and implemented changes that enhanced user engagement by presenting the organization as active, fun, and professional.
Developed training documentation and established a website audit & schedule to ensure the website stays up to date and active.
Amber Waves - UX for Business project
February, 2024 - March, 2024
Redesigned a wholesale ordering system that allows users to efficiently customize their orders to reduce the number of order customization requests sent through email or text.
Implemented a streamlined and flexible ordering system that allows users to easily schedule and modify orders.
Experience
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Yale University
January, 2020 - Present
Honed skills in data visualization and translating complex scientific findings into compelling visual stories.
Worked collaboratively with a cross-functional team of biologists and engineers to plan, execute, and analyze experiments.
Graduate Research Assistant - University of Pittsburgh
August, 2013 - December, 2019
Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to strategically plan, define, and iterate on the scope of my thesis project.
Presented research to diverse audiences of all levels, including non-scientific audiences, and received multiple awards for presentation skills.
Education
PhD, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology - University of Pittsburgh
Skills
UX Research
UX/UI Design
Design Strategy
Information Architecture
Wireframing
Prototyping
Data Visualization
Tools
Figma
Illustrator
Photoshop
Optimal Workshop
Qualtrics
Framer
Scientific Skils
CRISPR
Confocal Microscopy
Light Sheet Microscopy
FLIM-FRET
Cloning
Transgenics
Gene Regulation
in situ hybridization
Immunohistochemistry
3d Cell Motion Analysis
Tissue Mechanics
PCR
Electron Microscopy
Matlab
Prism
Mentorship