What do you hope to accomplish in your time at UConn over the next academic year (including both coursework and extracurriculars)?

During my time at UConn, I aim to achieve several key goals in my first year. First, I want to enhance my technical and theoretical knowledge in UI and UX design. I plan to work on practical projects to gain experience and build a professional portfolio. Additionally, I’m keen to deepen my understanding of coding through relevant courses, as this aligns with my interests. By the end of the year, I expect to advance my software skills to an advanced level, gain proficiency in UX principles, become familiar with coding fundamentals, build professional connections, improve my English, and gain a better understanding of the new culture.

What do you hope to get out of your time at Greenhouse Studios during your tenure? This can be skills and experiences that you hope to gain, types of projects you would like to work on, and contributions that you would like to make.

I am thrilled about the opportunity at Greenhouse. My first goal is to build professional connections, followed by enhancing my technical skills through practical projects and hands-on experience. Additionally, I aim to improve my soft skills, including teamwork, team management, project management, acquiring projects, and understanding the relevant job market. I also seek to increase my knowledge of professional work environments, improve my English language skills, and become familiar with new cultures and customs.

What do you want to be “when you grow up?” Put another way, what do you see your trajectory being after graduation? Would that trajectory be the same or different if you had no constraints and unlimited resources? (In this context, “constraints” and “resources” include skill sets and expertise.)

After graduation, I am eager to find my place in the professional market, initially gaining experience in reputable companies and eventually establishing my design studio. I face two main challenges: securing residency in the U.S. and limited financial resources. For residency, I need to work with a company that can sponsor my green card after graduation. This is a valuable opportunity that aligns with my long-term professional and career goals. I have always been passionate about cinema and music, and if resources were unlimited, I would love to pursue and gain experience in these fields as well.

What questions and curiosities do you have on your mind?

Being in a new culture and country brings something new and exciting to me every day, sparking fresh curiosities.

My initial curiosity revolves around the media and society, including their impacts, consumption patterns, and user experiences in the digital world. I am eager to learn more about the behaviors, thoughts, lifestyles, and behavioral patterns of this new society.

What is the path that led you to Greenhouse Studios?

Life always has its surprises and attractions. Looking back, I see how both big and small events and decisions have brought me to where I am today.

My passion for art initially led me to take the art entrance exam, which eventually introduced me to graphic design at Shiraz University in Iran. My interest in imagery and music then guided me to editing. Later, the Instagram restrictions in Iran following the Mahsa Amini events exposed me to UI and UX at work, sparking my interest in this field. The need to stay updated with current knowledge and develop both soft and hard skills motivated me to pursue further studies at UConn. Greenhouse Studios has been an incredible opportunity for me to gain experience and skills beyond the classroom with an amazing, talented, and supportive team.

Are there any interests, hobbies, fun facts, or anything else that you would like to share about yourself?

I am passionate about cinema, music, and especially history. I have always been an avid reader and listener of history, which I find incredibly valuable and fascinating. I can’t hide my interest in video games either; after all, I am from the digital generation and grew up in the digital world. I love discussing cinema, soundtracks, and history, and I enjoy learning about different cultures and historical narratives.