Teaching, publications & speaking
I give back by sharing my perspective in formal and informal settings.
For over a decade, alongside my professional work, I've taught at the college level, spoken at industry conferences, and written on design leadership and emerging technology, all because I’m passionate about shaping the field and helping students and peers succeed.
AIGA Decipher Conference
My role: Conference speaker, author
My paper "Teaching, Doing and Disseminating Design Research: IBM Incubator," was included in the Design Educator’s AIGA Decipher Conference in 2018. The paper and related talk covered case studies from the IBM Incubator program, where I led teams of early professionals on projects in 2016–2017.
I created an interactive workshop activity to drive dialog and provide a more interactive experience for session participants during my talk.
Published by University of Michigan Press, 2019.
Teaching experience
Adjunct Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology
Spring 2025
Conceived, pitched and got funding to teach “Beyond the Walls: UX Design for Museum Collections,” a cross-disciplinary course in collaboration with the Vignelli Center for Design Studies, School of Individualized Study, and the College of Art & Design
Adjunct Professor,
NC State College of Design
Spring 2021
Co-taught course with IBM colleagues involving client partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Lectured on design thinking methods. Introduced students to advanced technologies including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, with a focus on human-centered design. Led and managed classes in a fully virtual setting with the use of several collaboration tools including WebEx, Slack, Box and Mural.
Facilitator, Archeworks Chicago
2013 – 2014
Facilitated group of multidisciplinary students seeking certificate in Social and Environmental Urban Design at alternative design school for City of Chicago Transit client. Oversaw research and conducted brainstorming and prototyping sessions.
Adjunct Professor, Columbia College Chicago
2010 – 2014
Instructed students enrolled in design courses, including Intro to Graphic Design, Advertising Design, and Portfolio Development. Created syllabi, conducted critiques, created and presented lectures, formally evaluated projects, submitted grades, and mentored and coached students on portfolios, resumes, and internships.
Affiliate Professor, North Park University
2006 – 2010
Instructed students enrolled in Advanced Graphic Design course. Created syllabi, conducted critiques, created and presented lectures, formally evaluated projects, submitted grades, and mentored and coached students on portfolios, resumes, and internships.
Other speaking engagements
Chicago Pecha Kucha Night vol. 23
2012
Rapid-fire talk in Pecha Kucha format (20 slides, 20 seconds per slide) about the creative process behind Shedd Aquarium’s Jellies exhibition.
AIGA Chicago Spring Portfolio Review
2011
Invited to review student portfolios and provide written and verbal feedback in a fast-paced format. Counseled students on portfolio and career goals.
Columbia College Guest Lecture
2009 + 2010
Presented on the topic of type and image for 2D design class with Prof. Anna Kunz. Included historical and contemporary perspectives. Led workshop with students.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne Guest Lecture
2009
Presented in a design seminar course for Prof. Eric Benson graphic and industrial design students on topics of exhibit design, branding, and professional practices.
Articles
"Six Empowerment Strategies to get Teams up to Speed in Complex Domains"
JAN 2020
Medium article describing successful strategies I have observed along with best practices to guide design teams when working with new, daunting, or otherwise complex subject matter.
"Transforming the Trucking Industry with IBM Design Thinking"
OCT 2017
Medium article co-authored by me and Leo Shrayber, CEO of logistics startup Truck Trust, about his experience working with early-professional designers in the IBM Incubator program.