The University of New Mexico (UNM) is hosting a symposium to raise awareness of its newly created Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design program. The symposium aims to inform undergraduates about the certificate program as well as the various design opportunities and career trajectories available to them.
The program's faculty includes prominent experts in the field, such as Professor Tim Castillo from the School of Architecture and Planning, Professor Mary Tsiongas from the Department of Art, Vanessa Svihla from Organization and Information and Library Sciences, Leah Buechley from Computer Science, and Associate Professor Megan Jacobs from the Honors College.
The Interdisciplinary Design Symposium will take place from February 26 to March 8 and is free of charge and open to all UNM students and the larger New Mexico community. The symposium will consist of several events aimed at showcasing the program and its potential.
One of the workshop events, titled "How to Save the World," will be led by Vanessa Svihla and will take place on Monday, February 26, from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Honors College Forum. Another event, "Ostracod Rising," will feature a lecture by artist and Stanford University Professor Gail Wight and will be held on Thursday, February 29, from 5-6 p.m. at the UNM Art Museum Clinton Adams Gallery. The symposium will also include a keynote lecture by artist and technologist John-Mark Collins, founder of Electric Playhouse and Wit + Light, on Friday, March 1, from 5-6 p.m. in George Pearl Hall in the School of Architecture and Planning. Additionally, there will be a student exhibit opening reception titled "Designing the Future" on Friday, March 1, from 6-7 p.m. in Rainosek Gallery in the School of Architecture and Planning and the Spectra Gallery in the Honors College.
Megan Jacobs, Associate Professor at the Honors College and a key figure in the development of the Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design program, explained the goals and benefits of the program. She stated, "The certificate program in Interdisciplinary Design recognizes that design occurs within a range of disciplines and prepares students for an interconnected, interdisciplinary career landscape—one that requires skills that the certificate cultivates, such as collaborative working methods, prototyping, and iterative work processes."
Jacobs emphasized the importance of problem-solving skills and hands-on projects in the program, which employ design thinking practices and promote community engagement. She also highlighted the certificate's focus on ethical and culturally responsive methods, stating that students will learn how to create works for a diverse range of stakeholders.
The certificate program has received positive feedback from various creative industries in New Mexico. Jacobs stated, "After conducting a poll of various creative industries in New Mexico—from museums to creative technology venues, such as Meow Wolf and Explora, to technology companies, to arts education venues—we see that these industries are seeking employees with the kinds of skills that the certificate in Interdisciplinary Design fosters."
Jacobs encouraged undergraduates from various disciplines to apply for the certificate program, as it is open to current undergraduate students enrolled in a degree-granting program at UNM. She advised interested students to reach out to the certificate's advisor, Athena Gordon, for more information on how to get started.
In conclusion, the Interdisciplinary Design Symposium at UNM presents an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the newly created Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design program. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, problem-solving, and community engagement, the program equips students with the skills necessary for success in various creative industries. Interested students are encouraged to attend the symposium and explore the possibilities offered by the Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design program.