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Hi, I'm Anastazja!

Driven by Design, Fueled by Function

I’m a Master’s student in Engineering Design Innovation at Northwestern University with a Mechanical Engineering background from UW–Madison. I’m known for the creativity and sparkle I bring to every project — a reflection of my belief that everyone has something unique to contribute. This shows up in the thoughtful details I add

to designs, passion projects, or everyday notes, each infused with intention and personality. For me,

these touches are more than aesthetic — they bring authenticity, joy, and individuality to my work.

Engineering Through an Artistic Lens

In my senior capstone, I helped design Buck Up!, a portable assistive seat-lift device for people with limited mobility. I moved through research, calculating standing kinematics, prototyping, and CAD modeling — work that taught me precision and problem-solving at scale. Alongside this, I’ve built a background in acrylic and charcoal portraiture, with pieces featured at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Studying faces taught me to notice detail, emotion, and story — qualities I carry into design. This intersectionality guides a design approach that is precise and imaginative, technical yet human.

Designing Moments That Last

At Northwestern, I thrive on hands-on, human-centered projects that merge engineering with

creativity. Looking ahead, I aspire to design for themed entertainment or inclusive products that bring joy to

people of all abilities. Growing up with my brother, who is visually impaired, gave me firsthand insight into barriers that limit participation in moments of wonder. That perspective fuels my commitment to creating experiences that leave lasting impressions — ones people remember, return to, and carry with them long after the moment has passed.

Hi, I'm Anastazja!

Driven by design and fueled by function, I’m a Master’s student in Engineering Design Innovation at Northwestern University with a background in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I bring creativity and sparkle to every project, reflecting my belief that everyone has something unique to contribute. This shows up in the thoughtful details I add to designs, passion projects, or even everyday notes — touches that bring authenticity, joy, and individuality to my work.​

My foundation is in mechanical engineering, with experience in CAD, product design, and advanced kinematics. Engineering has taught me precision, analytical thinking, and methodical problem-solving. Alongside this, I’ve developed a deep background in the arts, focusing on acrylic and charcoal portrait work, including pieces featured at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Studying faces and expressions taught me to notice detail, emotion, and story — skills I bring to every design challenge. This intersectionality shapes an approach that is precise and imaginative, technical yet human.

EDI 2025 Headshots_Justin Barbin-78.jpg

At Northwestern’s EDI program, I thrive on hands-on projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its focus on human-centered design pushes me to integrate design with engineering, strengthen leadership across disciplines, and keep users at the center of every decision. It challenges me to look beyond functionality and explore how engineering and creativity together drive meaningful innovation.

I aspire to design for themed entertainment or physical products that are inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities. Growing up alongside my brother, who is visually impaired, gave me firsthand insight into barriers that can prevent people from fully enjoying moments of joy and wonder. That perspective fuels my commitment to creating experiences that leave lasting impressions — ones people remember, return to, and carry with them long after the moment has passed.

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