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Alexandra Hadley
Adjunct Professor at University of Utah
Professional Background
Alexandra Hadley has built a robust career in the design industry, drawing upon her rich educational background and multifaceted professional experiences. Starting with a Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design from North Carolina State University, she has effectively blended creativity with technology throughout her various roles. Alexandra is currently sharing her passion and expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah, where she inspires the next generation of designers with innovative teaching methods and a deep appreciation for user-centered design principles.
Before stepping into academia, Alexandra held significant positions in prominent organizations, including Adobe, where she excelled as a Senior User Experience Designer. In this pivotal role, she collaborated with cross-functional teams to create seamless and engaging user experiences, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in UX design. Her career at Adobe showcased her ability to utilize cutting-edge design techniques and technology to enhance the user journey across various platforms.
Prior to her time at Adobe, Alexandra honed her skills as an Associate User Experience Designer at Ellucian, where she contributed to the development of software solutions aimed at transforming the educational landscape. Her experiences ranged from crafting intuitive interfaces to conducting user research and testing, ensuring that the end products met the needs of diverse learners and educators alike.
Education and Achievements
Alexandra's educational journey at North Carolina State University provided her with a strong foundation in graphic design principles, inspiring her to develop her aesthetic sensibilities and technical skills. The dynamic curriculum fostered a creative environment where she could explore various design methodologies and build a comprehensive portfolio that would attract the attention of top industry players.
Throughout her career, Alexandra has sought out opportunities to deepen her design expertise through various internships. She started her professional path as a Graphic Design Intern at North Carolina State University Campus Enterprises and the Admissions Department, where she gained hands-on experience in branding, marketing, and user engagement. Additionally, her role as a Creative Design Intern at Lumina Clothing Company allowed her to explore fashion graphics and expand her creative horizons further. The culmination of these early experiences laid the groundwork for her successful ascent in the design world.
Alexandra's background encompasses not just design but also teaching and mentorship. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah, she leverages her industry insights to prepare students for the fast-evolving field of design. Her commitment to educating young minds is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of design in everyday life.
Achievements
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Senior User Experience Designer at Adobe: Alexandra's tenure at Adobe stands out as one of her most significant accomplishments. It was here that she fully embraced the role of a UX designer, leading multiple projects that pushed the boundaries of user experience design. Her contributions helped to enhance Adobe's suite of products, ultimately defining user engagement strategies that resonate with users around the world.
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Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah: In her current role, Alexandra not only imparts design knowledge but also encourages innovation and critical thinking among her students. As an instructor, she emphasizes the importance of a user-centered approach to design, providing mentorship and guidance that prepares her students for real-world challenges.
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Diverse Internship Experiences: The range of internships across various sectors, such as the art director position at Mckinney and the graphic design roles at the university and Lumina Clothing, have enabled Alexandra to cultivate a well-rounded design acumen. Each position has played a crucial role in shaping her professional identity, allowing her to learn from industry leaders and apply best practices in her own design work.
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Commitment to Continuous Learning: Alexandra remains dedicated to furthering her knowledge and staying current with design trends and technologies. By embracing continuous learning, she ensures that she can offer her students and colleagues the latest insights in user design strategies and industry standards.
In conclusion, Alexandra Hadley's journey in design underscores her dedication to creativity, education, and user experience. Her experiences at top companies like Adobe, alongside her commitment to teaching, exemplify her passion for shaping the future of design. As she continues to inspire her students and contribute to the design community, she leaves a lasting impact that paves the way for innovative solutions in graphic and user experience design.
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