Blessing Mangwiro

Supported instruction and research training for undergraduate students in communication research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based reporting, helping translate abstract theory into practical, real-world inquiry.

• Guided students through quantitative and qualitative methods including survey design, experimental design, and observational studies
• Taught descriptive and inferential statistics to interpret human behavior and communication patterns
• Coached students in critical evaluation of research literature (validity, bias, and methodological rigor)
• Supported ethical research reporting and clear communication of findings
• Provided hands-on help refining research instruments, interpreting statistical outputs, and turning raw findings into actionable insights

This role strengthened my ability to work with ambiguous data and evidence-driven decision making, skills I apply directly in UX research, AI-driven product design, and human-computer interaction.

Leading XR systems development and spatial computing research at Iowa State's flagship visualization facility.

• Train 20+ students, faculty, and researchers in 3D scanning workflows and Cave/VR Room configuration, achieving 95% success rate in independent project completion
• Implement Insta360 Titan 360° 11K camera system for spatial video production, establishing best practices for immersive content capture
• Maintain XR infrastructure with 99% uptime, ensuring reliable access for research simulations
• Create interactive XR applications using Unity and Meta Quest devices for cross-departmental research needs
• Facilitate interdisciplinary workshops helping diverse project groups incorporate MR, VR, and 3D visualization tools

Led UX research and multimedia design for an education-focused e-commerce platform.

• Facilitated a team of 5 creatives, increasing design consistency and productivity by 40%
• Redesigned flagship masterclass using data-driven UX research, increasing sales by 30%
• Managed complete content production for podcasts, courses, and Moodle-based platform
• Conducted user research and usability testing to inform product decisions
• Established design system standards improving cross-team collaboration

Developed corporate communication strategies and visual brand systems.

• Designed animation infographics and product activation graphics for corporate clients
• Contributed to end-to-end production workflows from concept to delivery
• Leveraged AI tools to amplify user interactions and streamline production
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams on brand identity development

Started as a production intern and later joined full-time, contributing to professional video production pipelines from pre-production through post, skills that now strengthen my XR storytelling, user guidance, and visual communication.

• Edited commercial and narrative video content using professional post-production workflows
• Supported camera operation, lighting setup, and production coordination on shoots
• Collaborated on storyboarding, shot planning, and narrative structure
• Contributed to post-production including color grading, sound synchronization, and motion graphics
• Assisted with media asset management and delivery across multiple client projects