Hi! I’m Cheryl, a designer who cares deeply about empathy and human connection in the digital age.

Studying Art History and Visual Art at Columbia University trained me as a verbal and visual storyteller. My curiosity about how people interact with art led me into human-centered design. I think about how experiences, interfaces, and brands can respond to human needs with care. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s across Harvard and MIT to deepen my understanding of these fields.

In my free time, you’ll find me unlocking new restaurants, playing my flutes with friends, and battling with the green owl to save my 4-year Duolingo streak. My name, Erya (尔雅), is the title of the Chinese language’s oldest dictionary, which reminds me to stay curious and humble.

Education

Harvard GSD - MDes. Design Studies

2025-2027

  • Narratives Domain Representative @ GSD Admissions

  • UIUX Design, AI & Human Cognition, Brand Strategy, Data Science, Philosophy of Technology

MIT - Cross Registration

2026-2027

  • Museum-Technology Integration

Columbia - B.A. Art History & Visual Art

2022-2025

  • Summa Cum Laude, elected into Phi Beta Kappa ↗ National Academic Honor Society

  • Human-Centered Design, History of Design, Museum Experience Studies, Studio Art, Physical Prototyping

My logo is inspired by my family name (燕), the swallow bird, a symbol of good fortune.