About

You can also call me GG.

Photo 1 of 3: Portrait of Giannella smiling outdoors, wearing a white shirt

  • Portrait of Giannella smiling outdoors, wearing a white shirt
  • Studio portrait of Giannella smiling, wearing a brown blouse
  • Giannella tipping her cap in a wintry New York park, with the city skyline behind the trees

Background

I studied Sociology at UC Santa Cruz, with a minor in Technology Information Management. Now I’m pursuing a Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) at UC Berkeley’s School of Information, concentrating in UX Research and Product Management.

Why sociology makes me a better researcher

Without a basic framework for what shapes people, why they do the things they do, and why different institutions lead to different outcomes, it would be hard to shape systems or ask the “right” research questions. In other words, my superpower is reading people’s intuition, and it helps me in research.

What I’m looking for

I’m looking for full-time UX research or product roles starting in 2027, on teams that work together and feed off one another, tackling problems that are a starting point for positive impact. I’m eager to learn different ways of thinking, and to explore what new things can be built in this AI era.

What I like to do

When I’m not working, you’ll find me painting nature scenes, experimenting in the kitchen with friends and family, or at the gym. I’m also drawn to music festivals — there’s something about dancing and being surrounded by good music and people that energizes me.

I also do my own nail art, explore different hikes with my sidekick, Nala, and love trying new dim sum and boba spots (I’d call myself a bit of a guru). I’ve always enjoyed reading fiction, but lately I’ve been into The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay.

I’d describe myself as a jack of all trades: I like to do a little of everything. As the full saying goes:

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

I’m still figuring out the full scope of what I want to do long-term, but I’m certain about a few things: I want to build and create, be part of a supportive community, and keep learning as I go.

  • Nala, a small chihuahua in a pink harness, standing on a path at sunsetMy sidekick, Nala
  • Giannella in a Berkeley T-shirt taking a smiling selfie with her family on a city streetFamily in Berkeley
  • The Berkeley Campanile lit up at dusk, seen from campusCampanile at night
  • A hand with pink, flower-detailed nails and stacked gold and silver ringsMy own nail art!