Jadyn Elise Cleary, a long-time resident of Pearland, has graduated with Distinction and Latin Honors from Duke University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Platform Design with a focus on Accessible User Experience. This exceptional achievement was further highlighted by her remarkable GPA of 3.99.
Cleary’s self-designed major, the only one of its kind at Duke, integrates UX design and disability studies to support users with disabilities, including hearing, vision, cognitive, and physical impairments.
Crafting this unique major required her to create a comprehensive curriculum, provide a rationale for each subject, and secure the backing of a faculty advisor.
Her proposal received overwhelming approval from the committee on the first submission, with commendations suggesting it could serve as a model for future self-designed majors.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Cleary is a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and serves as a Baldwin Scholars leadership mentor.
Her dedication to accessible design extends beyond the classroom; she is currently employed as a Senior Research Data Technician at Duke’s Department of Population Health Sciences. In this role, she focuses on designing decision aids for Veterans in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Cleary’s work at Duke highlights her commitment to creating inclusive digital platforms. Her contributions are particularly significant in health sciences, where accessible design can dramatically improve the quality of life for Veterans with disabilities.
Cleary’s achievements reflect her dedication to excellence and her passion for accessibility. Her unique academic journey and professional endeavors are a testament to her innovative spirit and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
As she continues her work in the field of accessible user experience, her impact on both the academic community and the broader population health sciences field is expected to be profound.
