I’m a product designer at Benchling, where I build enterprise tools for research scientists and lead zero-to-one initiatives. I love diving into complex domains, facilitating workshops that drive alignment, and turning ambiguous problem spaces into thoughtful, tangible systems.
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi in a big family where thinking about others came first. Growing up in a place rooted in community shaped how I see the world, and how I design for it. In college at UCLA, I studied molecular biology before serendipitously finding my way into design. Science trained me to think rigorously. Design gave me a medium to build with that rigor.
Today, I blend both worlds — building tools that help scientists move faster, think clearer, and push discovery forward. I also moonlight as a design consultant for Volo Earth Ventures, contributing to a brighter, greener energy economy.
E komo mai –
feel free to stay awhile
Nowadays, the default mode is fast. Design bulild think push pull prototype learn understand fast. You ever try untangling a necklace or a fishing line by pulling on the ends in haste? True complexity, enterprise complexity, demands thoughtful dissection; a practice in patience.
When designing, I strive to divine notions of purpose and progress that drive the natural world, and deliver it to the digital world. Regardless, for all things big and small, in the process of composing myself I find the most useful instruments are the heartstrings.
Outside of design, I devote my time to...
BasketballI continue to play in occasional leagues and pick-up games. As a fan, I am loyal to the Portland Trailblazers and the UCLA Bruins
YogaIn July 2024, I began teaching yoga at Corepower twice a week. Yoga as a practice is my reset button, and a ritual I look forward to daily
ReadingI’ll try almost any genre, but science fiction, historical fiction, and young adult are my favorites. They’re the stories that stay with me long after the last page
Game designI tend to turn gatherings into games. From baby showers to bachelorettes to original card concepts, I love crafting the rules and seeing how people play
BakingI specialize in shopping mall classics: cinnamon rolls and pretzels. I may not outdo Auntie Anne’s or Cinnabon (yet), but I’m working on it
Traveling20 countries down, many more to go. I’ve lived in 5 cities so far, which means I’ve mastered the art of building community from scratch
