Hello again, my name is
Cory Poon
I’m a student at UCLA studying Cognitive Science with a Specialization in Computing and a minor in Digital Humanities.
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Growing up in Arcadia, California and later stepping into creative spaces like marching band, content creation, and Chinese music ensembles, I developed a deep appreciation for how communities form around shared culture, creativity, and play. My first love was music—not just performing it, but leading and arranging it, exploring how people connect through rhythm, harmony, and shared experience.
I’ve since shifted my focus to product design, where I still pursue that same goal: understanding human behavior and creating tools that bring people together. For me, design is a blend of systems thinking, cultural awareness, and storytelling—a way to build meaningful, accessible experiences at scale.
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In my spare time, I’m always creating—whether that’s arranging music for live ensembles, producing content for over 200,000 followers across social platforms, or getting lost in digital worlds through games like Valorant and Teamfight Tactics. These creative outlets shape the way I think, collaborate, and design—because to me, the best ideas are born at the intersection of curiosity and community.
Welcome to my
Side Quests
Side Quest (noun): An impromptu adventure or diversion undertaken by an individual, typically outside the realm of one's primary goals or responsibilities, often characterized by spontaneous actions and unconventional activities.
VALORANT CONTENT CREATOR
With more than 200,000 followers on all platforms, I've grown to become a recognizable figure in the VALORANT community! I've been invited to events like the Riot Games A25 Summit where I was one of thirty people selected worldwide to play-test Riot Games' brand new non-binary agent, Clove, I was the only queer contestant on FaZe Clan's FaZe1 the Warehouse Challenge, and was one of the twelve selected for Season 4 of Streamer Camp, hosted by Fuslie, kkatamina, BoxBox, and QTCinderella
Invited to Riot Games HQ!
Play-Testing New Agent!
Streamer Camp Season 4!
Streamer Camp's Scavenger Hunt!
YouTube Full-Length Video Game Content!
MUSIC CONDUCTING & DIRECTING
As the conductor and director of the Genshin Impact Ensemble at UCLA, I’ve arranged every piece we've performed—blending Western and traditional Chinese instruments to bring video game music to life. Highlights include “Moon in One’s Cup,” “Moonlit Lanterns,” and “Myriad of Lights” by composers Yu-Peng Chen and Yuxi Wang. I’ve been writing and transcribing music since seventh grade, and leading this ensemble has been a unique way to merge my passions for music, culture, and collaboration.
PLAYING MUSIC
Music has always been a huge part of me! From the age of 3, I started piano lessons with my aunt and at the age of 8, I began playing the clarinet as well. In college, I picked up traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng, the plucked zither and the sheng, the free-reeded gourd.
Soprano Sheng
Guzheng
Hulusi
Clarinet
BULLET JOURNALING
Bullet journaling is what you determine it to be, but to me, it's if your school agenda and a doodle journal had a baby! I've held a bullet journal for four year now, and every step of the way, it's given me a way to express myself, all while creating non-digital interfaces to help me plan my schedules and upcoming events.
PROFESSIONAL MINECRAFT BUILDING
Your eyes do not fool you. It says "Professional Minecraft Building." Minecraft is another art-form to me! Every block placed in this video game is an angle for new creation! I used to build through commissioned projects, but now, I'm reserving those pages for my annual two-week Minecraft grind.
2022 Artesia Townhall
2024 Riverbend Castle
2021 Valhalla Courthouse
BAKING
I started my journey in baking when I was in 4th grade when I first watched a Nerdy Nummies video! Rosanna Pansino, the host of the show, inspired me to be creative in the kitchen, which led to annual gingerbread houses and mountains of macarons and cream puffs!
Macarons
"Cupcake" Choux au Craquelin
Gingerbread House
GYMNASTICS
Everyone needs a form of exercise to stay healthy! Some people lift weights, some do ballet, but I do gymnastics! I've been doing gymnastics since the age of 5 and have not let a year go since I started! As of today, I'm a part of UCLA's Club Gymnastics and continue to train recreationally!
COLORGUARD
If you're unfamiliar with colorguard, it combines elements of dance and flag, rifle, and sabre twirling! I began in seventh grade and have continued it since. In high school, my team went to nationals and placed 10th and even in college, I continued spinning by finding friends with the same interest, training to maintain our skillsets!
