My journey into accessibility began with hesitation. My first thought was that I wasn't the right person for this work, but questioning that doubt sparked a deeper curiosity. It led me to learn that true accessibility doesn't just serve one group, but considers the full spectrum of human ability. This new perspective guided my research into situationally-induced impairments, based on a simple truth: our needs are defined by our context, whether that context is temporary or lifelong. This realization became my spark, illuminating how designing for a specific need is the very reason we have universal innovations like text messaging and eyeglasses.

That spark was forged into a true passion at the Center for Accessibility & Inclusion Research (CAIR). Under the mentorship of Kristen Shinohara, I learned more than the foundation of research; Kristen challenged me to learn how to truly listen—to adapt my questions on the spot. I learned from observing her how to 'meet people where they're at' to understand the world through their lens. My work today is simply about meeting people where they are—and ensuring the technology we build does the same.