Catalina AlzateView profile
Assistant Professor
Catalina Alzate is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the School of Art and Design. Her research integrates feminist theory, participatory design, and systems design to address healthcare inequities and technology's role in women's health and reproductive justice. She emphasizes collective approaches to healthcare interventions, including workshops and long-term community processes. Professional Background: Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she holds an MFA from the University of Texas at Dallas and previously taught at UT Austin’s School of Design and Creative Technologies. Her work spans design studios, start-up incubators, and academic roles in India, where she collaborated with Srishti Manipal Institute and organizations addressing digital rights and community health. Research Interests: Catalina focuses on technology-mediated violence against women and gender non-conforming individuals, advising international bodies like UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund. Her work bridges design practice with activism, particularly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and South America through collaborations with the Association for Progressive Communications and IDRC. Key Contributions: Her award-winning thesis in Colombia combined participatory design with microeconomics. Recent research explores FemTech and healthcare technology design, as seen in her 2024 chapter. She advocates for inclusive design processes that address systemic inequities and incorporate bodily reflection. Awards: Recognized for her thesis work, though specific award names are not explicitly stated. Her impactful community projects reflect sustained scholarly and activist engagement.











