Melanie Finger

Melanie Finger is a Senior Lecturer in Transdisciplinary Design and Academic Lead Engagement at the School of Design, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She specializes in designing impactful curricula and fostering industry partnerships to create job opportunities and long-term collaborations. Her academic career spans over 20 years in the Fashion Industry, with expertise in Product Design, Trend Forecasting, and Entrepreneurship.

Education:
- Diploma of Applied Fashion Design & Technology (Technical & Further Education)
- Diploma of Arts (Fashion) (Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE)

Research Interests:
Melanie focuses on Transdisciplinary Design, Design for Social Impact, and innovative pedagogical models. She champions real-world engagement through initiatives like Impact Labs, which integrate community partnerships into QUT's design curriculum. Her work emphasizes portfolio development as a tool for employability and advocates for socially responsive design education.

Awards:

• 2023 Award for Programs that Enhance Learning (Curriculum Transformation)
• 2022 QUT Vice Chancellor's Award for Student Learning Excellence
• 2021 Global Education Award (Gold) for 'Design for Impact'

Advising & Grants:
Melanie leads the development of Impact Labs, a curriculum initiative funded by major awards, including a $US25,000 Global Education Award. Her work with Indigenous Social Enterprise 'SevGen' highlights her commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education. She collaborates with organizations like DFAT and industry partners to enhance student learning through real-world projects.

Labs/Teams:
She oversees Impact Labs 2 and 4, which engage students in solving societal challenges such as sustainable design and social equity. These labs connect academia with industry, offering students practical experience in transdisciplinary problem-solving.