The Design and Social Justice Studio is an interdisciplinary research group that together examines the ethical and political dimensions of emerging technologies. At the heart of the studio is a commitment to social justice, which is reflected in everything from our choice of project topics and research methods to the form and quality of interactions among students from diverse levels and disciplines. More broadly, the studio takes on the challenges of cultivating an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment that is characterized by humility, generosity, and joy. This type of environment is crucial for the success of students, faculty, and staff of all ranks, not based on a reductive notion of tolerance that overlooks differences in race, gender, ability, or intellectual perspective, but based on a principled conviction that these differences are the very foundation of a vibrant and innovative community that thrives intellectually and experientially.
History: At Georgia Tech, I established the studio as an inclusive space for collaboration and a hub for interdisciplinary, social justice-oriented research. In this space, I have led multiple interdisciplinary teams and projects with a deeply relational and collegial approach to mentorship with students who join based on their interests or desire to gain specific skills. In its ten years of operation, the studio engaged more than 20 PhD students, visiting scholars, and post-doctoral researchers, over 50 MS students, and numerous undergraduate students as advisees, student assistants, or collaborators, all of whom moved on to successful careers in academia and industry. For an overview of some of the projects, check out the publication and research pages on this website.
Many students have participated in the studio. While not comprehensive, the list below highlights students who have made notable contributions.
Current Students
Smilangi Dasari
UW | 2026 – Present
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities Project and Language and AI
Grace Landers
MLIS, UW | 2025 – Present
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities Project and Language and AI
Alex Munoz | MLIS, UW | 2025 – Present
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities Project and Language and AI
Katherine Bennett, PhD | Digital Media, GaTech | 2022 – Present
Studio Member and PhD Mentee, Major contributions to Smart Cities Research Project and Technocreep
Aditya Anupam, PhD | Digital Media, GaTech | 2022 – Present
Studio Member and PhD Advisee, Major contributions to Engineering Education Project and Catalyst Journal
Past Students
Hayri Dortivonyuylo, PhD | Architecture, GaTech | 2021-2023
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities and Technocreep
Sylvia Janicki, PhD | Digital Media, GaTech | 2021-2024
Studio Member and PhD Mentee, Major contributions to Sensing Bodies and Heart Sense
Lorina Navarro | MS, GaTech | 2015 – 2017
Winner of 2017 4S Making and Doing Award
MS Project: “Our Driverless Futures: Speculating Ethical Dilemmas of Self-Driving Cars”
Michelle Partogi | MS, GaTech | 2014 – 2016
Winner of 2016 Best Digital Media MS Thesis Award
MS Project: “Our AIMS: Changing Organizational Culture through Co-Design”
Horyun Song | MS, GaTech | 2016 – 2018
MS Project: “Untangling the Perception of Sex Difference in Biological Research”
Ren Zheng | Quantum Mechanics, GaTech | 2021-2024
Major contributions to Catalyst Journal
Rose Peng | MS HCI, GaTech | 2014 – 2015
MS Project: “Atlanta Beltline Exploration App”
Ridhima Gupta | MS HCI, GaTech | 2015-2018
Research and Teaching Assistant
Binjie Sun | MS Industrial Design, GaTech | 2015-2018
Public Understanding of Science
Brighton Vino Jegarajan | MS HCI, GaTech | 2014-2016
Public Understanding of Science
Justeen Lee | BS Industrial Design GaTech | 2014-2016
Public Understanding of Science