Adolfo Ruiz

Dr. Adolfo Ruiz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Design at MacEwan University. His research focuses on community-based visual storytelling and intercultural communication through animation and participatory design. His long-term collaboration with the Tłı̨chǫ Dene community has produced educational animations used regionally. Ruiz employs drawing, filmmaking, and cultural probes as research tools to facilitate dialogue in urban intercultural contexts.

Research interests center on visual narrative, cultural memory embodiment, and qualitative methods in design. Recent publications explore land-based education, pluriversal design futures, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Articles demonstrate consistent themes: indigenous collaboration (2023), educational innovation (2023), land-based curriculum (2022), and decolonial research methods (2017).

Awards include:

• Visionary Scholars Award (2023)
• Director’s Choice Award (2021)
• SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship (2014)

Collaborations include the Tłı̨chǫ Dene community, Edmonton Multicultural Coalition, and interdisciplinary teams exploring design pedagogy.