Find Academic Supervisors

• Sociocultural Anthropology
• Neuroethics
• Dementia Care Design
• +7 more

Melissa Liu is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Division of Humanities and Sciences / Designmatters, affiliated with the University of Washington, Seattle. Her academic work bridges anthropology, design, and neuroethics, with a focus on innovative care environments for individuals with cognitive conditions. Her educational background includes advanced training in sociocultural anthropology and interdisciplinary science studies: PhD Candidate in Sociocultural Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle MA with Honors in Medicine, Science & Technology Studies, University of California, Irvine BA with High Distinction in Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley Melissa's research explores the intersection of design, technology, and dementia care. Her primary interests include the sociocultural dimensions of aging, therapeutic interventions such as music therapy for dementia patients, and the ethical and spatial design of dementia villages. She integrates anthropological methods with design thinking to address complex health and social challenges. Her scholarly contributions are recognized through prestigious National Science Foundation support, reflecting the innovation and societal impact of her proposed work. These fellowships highlight her leadership in neuroethics and human-centered design research. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (Dementia Village Project) National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (Neuroethics Thrust, Center for Neurotechnology) Melissa Liu is actively engaged in research and academic instruction, contributing to interdisciplinary education through the Designmatters initiative. While no formal advisees are listed, her NSF fellowships suggest grant-supported research activity. She is building a scholarly profile at the nexus of anthropology, ethics, and design innovation, with potential future work in dementia-inclusive communities and neurotechnological care frameworks.

• Design for Social Innovation
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Sustainable Development
• +5 more

Jennifer May is an Adjunct Associate Professor and the director of Designmatters at ArtCenter College of Design, where she leads initiatives in design for social innovation. She oversees cross-sector partnerships, curricular development, and special projects in global health, public policy, sustainable development, and social entrepreneurship. She teaches courses such as DesignMatters Fellowship and Designing Social Enterprise. Education: BA, Emerson College MBA, USC Marshall School of Business Her research and professional work focus on innovative design practices that address complex social challenges. As a leader in transdisciplinary design education, she works closely with faculty, department chairs, and external partners to create impactful learning experiences. Her expertise lies in bridging design with social enterprise and policy innovation. While no recent articles are listed, her editorial leadership in the award-winning LEAP Dialogues series reflects a strong contribution to the discourse on career pathways and pedagogy in design for social innovation, particularly in shaping emerging practices and educational frameworks. Scientific Awards: Award-winning publication: LEAP Dialogues: Career Pathways in Design for Social Innovation Jennifer May has served as an adviser for transdisciplinary studios and has led educational initiatives supported by external partnerships and special projects. Her leadership in publications and curriculum development demonstrates sustained engagement with grants and academic funding, though specific grants are not detailed. She was a Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab Society and Business Fellow, Forté Fellow, and vice president of Programs for Net Impact during her MBA, reflecting early leadership in social enterprise. She leads the Designmatters department, an active hub for social innovation at ArtCenter, which functions as both a curricular and extracurricular platform. The department fosters collaborative studios, publishes influential open-source educational materials, and engages in global challenges through design thinking and cross-sector collaboration.

• Product Design
• Branding
• Packaging Design
• +2 more

Jini Zopf serves as a Professor at ArtCenter College of Design, actively teaching courses across Product Design 3 (PRD-251-01/03), Drawing (IMER-103-02), Package Design (GPKG-202-03), and Portfolio Studio (SXD-313-01/413-01) within the Product Design, Graphic Design, Spatial Experience Design, and Designmatters programs. Her educational background includes: ArtCenter College of Design: Illustration (graduated with honors) With over 20 years of professional experience, Zopf has held creative leadership positions at LEGO, Airstream Inc, Disney, and Mattel (Hot Wheels), specializing in branding, packaging, and style guide development. Her research philosophy emphasizes team empowerment through inspiration and people-centered workflows, believing that well-fueled creative teams consistently exceed expectations. She maintains continuous engagement by extracting learning opportunities from every project to sustain curiosity in design practice.

Liliana Becerra PiedrahitaView profile

Visiting Professor

• Design
• Sensory Aesthetics
• Material Science
• +3 more

Liliana Becerra Piedrahita is a part-time faculty member in Graduate Industrial Design at an unspecified university. She is a globally recognized design educator with over 20 years of experience teaching at prestigious institutions including ArtCenter College of Design, Royal College of Art, and Universidad de Chile. As founder of CMTEL - Colors, Materials and Trends Lab, she pioneered design research strategies for "Design for Social Impact" projects in collaboration with Designmatters. Her studio advises international clients on translating intangible concepts into aesthetic experiences across diverse industries like healthcare, automotive, and consumer electronics. Current affiliation: Part-Time Faculty in Product Design Key academic roles: Professor and visiting lecturer at 10+ international universities Research focus: Intersection of sensory aesthetics, emerging technologies, and human experience Her work spans physical, hybrid, and digital realms, with case studies analyzing Biodesign, responsive architecture, and AI integration in design. While not explicitly listed in the text, her academic contributions include two influential books: CMF Design (Frame, 2016) and Soft Design (Routledge, 2025), which explore emotional aesthetics and neuroinclusive design approaches. Scientific Awards: IDSA Bronze Award (2011) for Safe Agua project

• Design for Social Innovation
• Social Design
• Community-Based Design
• +2 more

Maria Lamadrid is an Adjunct Assistant Professor affiliated with Designmatters, an initiative focused on design for social impact and innovation. While her specific institutional affiliation is not stated in the provided text, Designmatters is formally associated with the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. Her academic role indicates active participation in higher education, particularly in interdisciplinary and socially engaged design practices. Given her title as an adjunct faculty member, she likely contributes on a part-time basis, bringing professional expertise into academic instruction. Academic Rank: Adjunct Assistant Professor Program Affiliation: Designmatters Institutional Context: Likely ArtCenter College of Design Her work appears to center on leveraging design as a tool for societal change, community development, and educational innovation. Though no specific research projects or publications are listed, the focus of Designmatters suggests engagement with real-world challenges through collaborative, student-driven initiatives. Maria Lamadrid’s contributions align with contemporary trends in design education that emphasize ethics, sustainability, and civic responsibility. There is no public indication of scientific awards, grants, or formal student advisement in the provided material.

• Interdisciplinary Art
• Bio-Art
• Sculpture
• +6 more

Jessica Rath is an Adjunct Professor in Fine Art, Humanities and Sciences, and Designmatters, where she teaches courses such as Art of Research, Professional Practices, and sculpture. Based in Los Angeles, she integrates scientific inquiry with artistic practice, teaching students how to engage deeply with research in creative contexts. Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of art, science, and nature. She explores biological systems—particularly genetics and pollination—through sculpture, film, and installation. Projects like Ripe and take me to the apple breeder reflect her fascination with agricultural science and sensory perception. Her work often involves collaboration with scientists, particularly bee researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno. Rath has received significant recognition for her interdisciplinary work, including the C.O.L.A. Fellowship and grants from the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation and Metabolic Studios. These awards supported her traveling exhibition a better nectar , which combines artistic and scientific exploration of bee cognition and floral aesthetics. Mid Career Fellowship from the California Community Foundation C.O.L.A. (City of Los Angeles) Fellowship Grant from Metabolic Studios Grant from Reed Foundation Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation Grant She advises students through her teaching in research-based art and professional practice, guiding emerging artists in developing conceptually rigorous and socially engaged work. While no formal grants are detailed beyond project funding, her sustained external support indicates strong grant-writing success and institutional trust. Her artistic practice functions as a research lab in itself, often involving fieldwork, scientific consultation, and experimental fabrication. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno, and exhibitions such as The Oscelots of Foothill Boulevard at Pitzer College Galleries demonstrate her role in building interdisciplinary teams and platforms for cross-disciplinary dialogue.

Ivan CruzView profile

Adjunct Assistant Professor

• Human-Centered Design
• Generative Design
• Creative Technology
• +7 more

Ivan Cruz is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at ArtCenter College of Design, where he teaches Mediatecture and Generative Design. As a Los Angeles-based Creative Technologist, Motion Designer, and Installation Artist, he specializes in human-centered design in spatial and emerging media, focusing on empowering students to create custom tools using hardware, software, and AI technologies. B.F.A. in ArtCenter College of Design, 2011 His research emphasizes algorithmic thinking, three-dimensional storytelling, and the intersection of technology with creative expression. Ivan’s work often bridges scientific rigor with artistic spectacle, as seen in his collaborations with tech companies and museums. Notable projects include the Deep Time BMW CES DAZZLE installation with the Nevada Museum of Art and the THINK Exhibit for IBM’s Centennial Anniversary, which drew inspiration from Charles and Ray Eames’ legacy. These works utilize tools like LiDAR, photogrammetry, and node-based coding to merge scientific accuracy with immersive experiences. Adobe Design Achievement Awards: Semi-Finalist (2011) Promaxbda North America Student Design Award (2010) Ivan’s career spans collaborations with leading tech companies (Apple, Google, Disney, Netflix, IBM) and public institutions (San Diego Airport). He mentors students to reframe technology as an approachable medium for narrative communication, fostering forward-thinking perspectives on emerging media.

• Product Design
• Design Thinking
• Human-Centered Design
• +3 more

Charlie Hodges is an Adjunct Instructor affiliated with the Product Design / Designmatters department. His work focuses on interdisciplinary design approaches, integrating creative methodologies with practical problem-solving frameworks. Fields of Interest: Product Design, Design Thinking, Human-Centered Design, Interaction Design.

Sherry Leigh HoffmanView profile

Professor

• Brand Strategy
• Design Thinking
• Social Impact
• +3 more

Sherry "Leigh" Hoffman is a Professor at the School of Humanities and Sciences and Faculty Director of Designmatters. She combines expertise in brand strategy, progressive design, and social impact through her role at March Studio, where she co-founded the firm as Principal Brand Strategist. Her professional background includes advertising and marketing positions at Y&R and Universal Studios. Leigh teaches courses in branding strategies (HBUS-210A-02), brandmatters (HSOC-212-01), psychology of branding (HSOC-341-01), principles of marketing (HBUS-240-02), and branding spatial experience (HSOC-210A-01). She has facilitated notable programs including the 2013 LEAP Symposium and DesignStorms with multidisciplinary teams. MBA in Marketing and International Business from NYU Co-founder of March Studio Principal Brand Strategist in advertising/marketing Her work focuses on creating brand-defining spaces and social change initiatives like Strong Apart: Resilient+Connected , The Girl Effect , and Imagining the Future of the Barbie Dreamhouse .

• Interaction Design
• User Experience Design
• Design Education
• +6 more

Gary Masilko is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Interaction Design department at ArtCenter College of Design, where he has taught since 2004 and has been involved with the Interaction Design program since its inception in 2012. He teaches studio courses, industry-sponsored workshops, and programs such as Designmatters, Immersion Lab, and international collaborations including ArtCenter Berlin and the INSEAD MBA partnership. His research and teaching focus on interaction design , user experience (UX) , design innovation , and creative technology . He has led studio classes and collaborative projects with major industry partners such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Honda, Volvo, NIO, DiDi Chuxing, Sundance Film Festival, and Aquarium of the Pacific. His work extends into accessibility and design for education , particularly through grant-funded initiatives in high school education. Masilko brings extensive professional experience from roles such as director of creative at DisneyMobile and user experience design consultant at Walt Disney Imagineering R&D. He has also contributed to multiple early-stage technology startups, bridging academic design with real-world innovation. Adjunct Associate Professor, Interaction Design, ArtCenter College of Design (2012–present) Faculty, ArtCenter At Night and Graphic Design programs Industry collaborations with Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Honda, Volvo, NIO, DiDi Chuxing Teaching in international programs: ArtCenter Berlin, INSEAD MBA partnership Grant-driven projects in accessibility and high school design education He advises students in studio settings and graduate-level projects such as IXD-452-01: Graduation Studio, though specific advisees are not listed. His academic work is closely tied to experiential learning, industry integration, and socially impactful design through initiatives like Designmatters and the Immersion Lab. While no formal grants are named, his involvement in funded educational and accessibility projects indicates active engagement in sponsored research and curriculum development. Masilko is part of dynamic design teams including the Immersion Lab and ArtCenter Exchange, which facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-institutional design innovation. These labs emphasize real-world problem solving, collaborative prototyping, and design thinking in both local and global contexts.

• Illustration
• Graphic Design
• Social Advocacy
• +3 more

David Tillinghast is an Adjunct Associate Professor and Assistant Chair in Visual Art & Communication, specializing in Illustration. His work spans advertising, editorial, book publishing, and corporate illustration, with clients including Visa, Freddie Mac, and Harvard University. He has received numerous awards in illustration, graphic design, self-promotion, and art direction. He served as a lead delegate to the United Nations for a Designmatters project supporting the Millennium Development Goals and led the Uncool: The Anti-Gun Violence Project, producing award-winning children's books adopted by public libraries. From 2017–2018, he trained with Al Gore through The Climate Reality Project as a volunteer climate leader, advocating for climate education and solutions globally. His teaching includes courses such as Illustration Design Lab and Portfolio Design Lab. His research and practice emphasize socially engaged art, environmental advocacy, and visual communication for social change.

• Arts and Science
• Design Thinking
• Applied Neuroscience
• +4 more

M. Greenstein is an Adjunct Professor affiliated with the School of Humanities and Sciences and the Department of Designmatters. An internationally recognized arts and science researcher, design thinker, and innovator in applied neuroscience programs and products, Greenstein has founded the Inventio!Brains System, Bodies in Space publications, and three design education/human potential companies. Holder of one registered patent, they teach courses such as 'Art of Research' (HSOC-101) and 'GRID: Cognitive Science + Spatial Design' (HSCI-332). Research Interests: Greenstein focuses on the intersection of design thinking, applied neuroscience, and human potential. Their work explores how spatial design principles can enhance cognitive science applications, with an emphasis on innovation in educational frameworks and product development. Teaching Contributions: HSOC-101-01: Art of Research (All Majors) HSCI-332-01: GRID: CogSci + Spatial Design HSOC-101-02/06: Art of Research (All Majors) Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founded three companies dedicated to advancing design education and human potential, alongside developing the Inventio!Brains System for applied neuroscience solutions.

• Entertainment Design
• Digital Media
• Graphic Design
• +3 more

Shaun Featherstone serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Entertainment Design within the Designmatters school. His teaching responsibilities include courses such as ECPT-224-01: Concept & Style Development and ENT-100-01: Intro to Entertainment Design .

• Photography
• Imaging Technologies
• Design Studies
• +1 more

Daanesh Wadia serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Photography and Imaging within the Designmatters school. His affiliation focuses on integrating artistic and technical aspects of visual media. While specific educational background or institutional affiliations are not detailed, his role suggests expertise in photography education and design-related disciplines. No awards, grants, or current research activities are explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

• Brand Strategy
• Design
• Social Impact
• +2 more

Leigh Hoffman is a Professor in Humanities and Sciences and Faculty Director of Designmatters, where she integrates brand strategy, design, and social impact. As cofounder of March Studio, she develops brand-defining architectural spaces, leveraging prior industry experience from Y&R and Universal Studios. Her pedagogy and research focus on transformative projects like Strong Apart: Resilient+Connected and The Girl Effect , facilitated through collaborative frameworks such as DesignStorms. Key research domains include: Brand psychology and spatial experience design Marketing principles in social innovation contexts Cross-sector collaboration methodologies She teaches advanced courses including: Branding Strategies Psychology of Branding Principles of Marketing Brandmatters studios Through Designmatters, she directs initiatives mobilizing design for humanitarian outcomes, partnering with global organizations to address complex societal challenges.