I began in advertising, but I was drawn to the larger impact created when design and technology come together. Now, as a Master’s student in Computer and Information Technology at UPenn, I am building on that foundation through work ranging from Texas Creative campaigns to immersive worlds like Elysian Heights and products such as RecyclAR.

These intersections have shaped my path and continue to drive what comes next.

Learning the Art of Storytelling at Texas Creative

At UT Austin’s Texas Creative program, I learned that effective advertising is built on human-centered storytelling.

For the Young Ones Competition, my team developed a NotCo campaign for eco-conscious youth, combining bold visuals with an AI-inspired take on sustainable comfort food. It showed how creativity and strategy can connect with audiences, while pushing me to explore more immersive ways to tell stories.

That interest led me to Elysian Heights in UT’s Immersive program, a mixed-reality world governed by AI. As the A/V Developer, I built a TouchDesigner cue system and helped shape an experience where participants actively influenced the narrative.

Turning Creativity Into Action: RecyclAR

Before UPenn, I co-created RecyclAR at a hackathon, an AR app that gamified recycling. In 48 hours, we built an AI-powered prototype that identified recyclables and guided proper disposal, demonstrating how design and technology can drive real-world impact.

Why Immersive Experiences Work

Immersive content drives results — 47% higher engagement (Magna Global) and 70% better retention (Nielsen) — by turning audiences into participants. It doesn’t just tell a story; it makes people part of it.

Looking Ahead

As a first-year MCIT student at UPenn, I’m merging creative vision with technical skill — from software development to human-computer interaction — to craft experiences that invite participation, spark emotion, and leave a lasting impact.

Works Cited

Magna Global & IPG Media Lab. Interactive Video Ads: Driving Engagement and Impact. Marketing Dive, 2017. Available at: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/study-interactive-video-ads-boost-viewing-time-47/506780/

PadSquad. How Interactive Video Ads Elevate Engagement. 2024. Available at: https://padsquad.com/blog/how-interactive-video-ads-elevate-engagement

Product Marketing Alliance. Effective TV Ad Strategies for CTV. 2024. Available at: https://www.productmarketingalliance.com/effective-tv-ad-strategies-for-ctv/