Meet the Lead Designer

Hi, I’m Jessi Watson, the creative mind behind Engagement Lab! Based in Frederick, Maryland, I’ve been passionate about science, art, and design since childhood—drawing anatomy, painting, and later diving into digital art.

My journey into education and instructional design started in the operating room. I began my career as a surgical technologist, and after graduating, a mentor encouraged me to return as an educator. In 2018, I did just that. Since then, I’ve taught in higher education, becoming the Director of Clinical Education for Surgical Technology in 2022. I also work PRN as a surgical assistant and have been designing learning experiences on the side.

Education is in my DNA—my mom was a teacher for 30 years, and my dad created process-based training materials as an operations manager. I also got the hard-working gene. Each of my parents have their own, separate small businesses that they started post-retirement (linked below).

Engagement Lab is my way of blending art, education, and technology to craft engaging, evidence-based learning experiences. Teaching is my dharma, and nothing excites me more than collaborating on a project that turns into something truly cool!

When I’m not designing, you’ll find me hanging with my big family, building cacti and succulent terrariums, hiking, playing guitar and singing, or hanging out with my dachshund, Pepper.