About Me

Hi there! My name is Julia Bowden, a recent MSc graduate in Human-Computer Interaction, currently based in Dublin, Ireland! 🇮🇪

I'm a passionate and dedicated professional with a diverse background in human-computer interaction, communications, UX design, education, customer service, and public service. I'm committed to making a positive impact through effective communication, creative problem-solving, and cultivating meaningful connections. I love creative challenges and have a proven track record of delivering exceptional results across my career.

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In late 2025, I began considering a career change that would build on my current skills and complement my personal interests in technology and accessibility. I previously attended University College Dublin while studying abroad in 2017 and fell in love with Ireland, so I decided to look more into their master’s program in Human-Computer Interaction. I began my master’s program in September 2025 and have gained essential knowledge in:

• Human-Centred AI

• UX Design

• Creative & Interactive Media

• Quantitative Analysis

• Research Methods

• Media Production Cultures

• and more!

Throughout my program, I've developed a specific interest in accessibility research and design. As of June 2026, I have been working on a group design project alongside 3 other classmates to assist our project partner, Dr Tomás Barry, an associate professor at UCD General Practice. Our goal is to conduct meaningful research, collaborate with our project partner, and develop a design solution that effectively addresses out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) across Ireland.

Before graduate school, I worked as a Communications Associate at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where I specialised in enhancing websites and communication materials. Collaborating closely with the Senior Science Writer and faculty members, I effectively implemented innovative strategies to communicate complex scientific concepts. My role was pivotal in managing website content, ensuring that information for the Fertig Lab, the Convergence Institute, and the Division of Quantitative Sciences remained accurate and up to date. 

Additionally, I frequently organised and hosted events, communicated with vendors, managed calendars, developed advertising materials, prepared AV/IT equipment, and managed or assisted with day-of logistics for various events at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Leveraging my proficiency with graphic design tools such as Canva and Illustrator, I created visually captivating content for social media platforms, significantly enhancing online engagement and brand visibility. With a strong technical background in Figma, WordPress, Elementor, HTML, CSS, SEO, and GitHub, I contributed to the development and management of websites, ensuring optimised navigation and a seamless user experience. This workplace gave me the freedom to learn new things and consistently improve my skills in the process.

To gain more insight into website and app development, I completed the Google UX Design Certification Program through Coursera in July of 2024. I found that it was a great intersection for my interest in designing websites, my experience in communications, and my degree in psychology. During this certification, I:

• Created a portfolio to include a mobile app, a responsive website, and a cross-platform experience

• Honed in on the UX design process of empathising, defining, and ideating

• Built wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes, conducted UX research, and tested early concepts

• Created high-fidelity designs and prototypes with Figma, and responsive web designs with Adobe XD

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Mary's College of Maryland. This academic foundation, complemented by minors in Anthropology and Sociology, reflects my approach to understanding complex human interactions. During my time there, I undertook an original research project examining the relationship between drag performance, self-esteem, and body esteem. I not only excelled academically, but also actively participated in extracurricular activities, including:

• Varsity Rowing

• Led new and transfer student orientations

• Facilitated diversity initiatives

• Selected for and participated in leadership training

• Participated in an enriching study abroad experience in Dublin, Ireland, at University College Dublin

When I'm not working, I love playing video games (my favourite games include God of War, Silent Hill 2, Death Stranding, and Alan Wake II), seeing new movies with my friends (my favourite movies include Challengers, Sky High, Barbarian, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), and reaching my reading goals for 2026 (my favourite books include Dune, Illuminae, Station Eleven, Strong Female Character, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time).

Each step of my journey has shaped my ability to approach challenges with resilience, creativity, and a dedication to making a difference. Thank you for visiting my website, and I'm excited to connect with you! 😊