Hey, I'm Abhilasha Salunia!

Tree hugger, sunset chaser, music fanatic, and all-around curious human based in New Jersey.

I’m currently completing my Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree at Rutgers University, where I focus on UX design and connect it with my foundation in cognitive science and psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by how people think, feel, and make decisions, and design became the place where I could turn that curiosity into something tangible.

Designing for people is like solving a puzzle. Every project has unique challenges, and I love piecing together solutions that are both intuitive and impactful. The best part? There's always more to explore, learn, and create.

I believe that good design starts long before the first wireframe. For me, it begins with understanding people — their goals, frustrations, and motivations. Whether I’m analyzing a product’s first-time user experience, redesigning a workflow, or shaping a new feature, I rely on research to guide every decision. I thrive in projects where I can break down complex problems and build seamless experiences.

Fun Facts!

Photography is my happy place. I am a professional family photographer at JCPenney Portraits, where I specialize in capturing genuine smiles (even from toddlers on a sugar crash). When I’m not in the studio, I love taking travel photos and documenting the little moments that make life special.

I speak 3 languages! As a child, I learned English, Hindi, and Gujarati, and for 5 years, I taught Sunday School students how to read, write, and speak in Hindi. Being multilingual has created so many opportunities for me and has deepened my appreciation for how language shapes the way we connect with the world.

I'm a black belt in taekwondo. I started training when I was 12, and I now compete at the intercollegiate level with the Rutgers Taekwondo team. Joining such a hardworking group of people has motivated me to be the best version of myself, and kicking things (literally) has taught me resilience, teamwork, and how to stay focused on and off the mat.

My creativity is deeply influenced by the things I love outside of design. These experiences shape how I show up as a designer: curious, observant, and empathetic.