Grateful for C-SED’s Graduates

Robert and Ilka facilitating a workshop in 2018

Robert Loweth has graduated with his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Education Research.  When asked to share one of his favorite memories at C-SED, he responded, “I’ve loved having the opportunity to facilitate workshops in so many different curricular and co-curricular contexts. The community of people at C-SED is also just wonderful.” Robert will be joining Purdue’s School of Engineering Education as a Visiting Assistant Professor in August. Connect with him on LinkedIn here.

Ilka Rodriguez-Calero has graduated with her Ph.D. in Design Science. When asked to share one of her favorite memories at C-SED, she responded, “I have many, but one of my favorite memories was one year of facilitator training where we had to communicate what were the contents inside a box. It was very playful and serious at the same time. Everyone’s strengths came to light and we laughed so much. I feel that we bring that same energy to co-facilitated experiences.” Connect with her on LinkedIn here. 

Carlotta Pham has graduated with her MBA from Ross School of Business and her MS from the School of Environment and Sustainability. One of her favorite memories throughout her time at C-SED was leading the book club featuring All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis.  She recounts, “I was inspired by the wholesome conversations that we had on leadership, climate, and feminism.” Carlotta is launching a sustainability professional services firm to support organizations and professionals on their sustainability journeys. She’ll be applying what she has learned at the Center for Socially Engaged Design in her work: facilitation skills, stakeholder engagement, values articulation, and creating inclusive cultures. Connect with her on LinkedIn here. To join our current book club featuring Design Justice by Sasha Costanza-Chock, register here.

Kendell takes a screenshot with the Summer Studio 2021 interns and stakeholders

Kendell Miller-Roberts has graduated with her MDes in Integrative Design from the Stamps School of Art & Design. When reflecting on her time at C-SED, Kendell said, “I love the community at C-SED! Everyone is so kind and supportive!” This summer, she is interning with ChiByDesign, a social and civic impact firm based in Chicago. Connect with her on LinkedIn here. 

Ally Sierra has graduated with her MSI in UX Design and Research with a Graduate Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. When asked to share one of her favorite memories at C-SED, she replied, “One of my favorite memories was when myself and the rest of the Intern Team for Summer Studio 2021 presented our final report to our stakeholders. The C-SED team was so encouraging and, for the first time ever, I actually felt pretty confident in my public speaking.” Read more about Ally’s experience with Summer Studio here. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Ally at a University of Michigan Football game

Sydney Moore has graduated with a BA in Economics and a BA in Psychology with a Sweetland Minor in Writing. She shared that one of her favorite memories from her time at C-SED was doing puzzles with everyone at a C-SED gathering. Sydney is continuing to pursue writing and is applying to travel-oriented jobs. Check out some of the stories Sydney’s written here and here. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Sara Groenke has graduated with a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering and a BA in Art & Design from the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. When reflecting on her favorite memories with C-SED she said, “a big highlight for me was recently being asked to facilitate a design jam for the C-SED team. Facilitation was not a key part of my role at C-SED but is something that I have wanted to gain more experience with. I feel lucky to be part of a community that supports me to grow into the person I want to be.” At the end of the summer, Sara plans to move to Berlin, Germany, for about a year to spend time with family and to learn about the business that her grandfather built. Though Sara will always be a designer at heart, she is excited to take this next year to open herself up to new perspectives, to learn alongside family, and to see how her design perspective fits into the world. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn here. 

Sara (middle) presenting her team product at the Integrated Product Design Trade Show

Malin Andersson has graduated with a BA in Creative Writing and Literature with a Sweetland Minor in Writing and a Minor in Music. When asked to share one of her favorite memories from her time at C-SED, she answered, “I loved re-meeting everyone in person at the community gatherings – especially working on a puzzle with my fellow storytellers!” Malin will be moving to Stockholm, Sweden at the end of the summer to work as a Copywriter. Check out some of the stories Malin’s written here and here. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.

We have loved having these students on our C-SED team and cannot wait to see all of the wonderful things they accomplish! Follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram) to learn more about how to get involved!