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
BS Informatics, University of Washington | 2026 – Present
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities Project and Language and AI
Grace Landers
Master of Library and Information Science, University of Washington | 2025 – Present
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities Project and Language and AI
Alex Munoz
Master of Library and Information Science, University of Washington | 2025 – Present
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities Project and Language and AI
Katherine Bennett
PhD | Digital Media, Georgia Tech | 2022 – Present
Studio Member and PhD Mentee, Major contributions to Smart Cities Research Project and Technocreep
Aditya Anupam
PhD | Digital Media, Georgia Tech | 2022 – Present
Studio Member and PhD Advisee, Major contributions to Engineering Education Project and Catalyst Journal
Past Students
Ren Zheng
Quantum Mechanics, Georgia Tech | 2021 – 2024
Major Contributions to Catalyst Journal
Sylvia Janicki
PhD | Digital Media, Georgia Tech | 2021 – 2024
Studio Member and PhD Mentee, Major contributions to Sensing Bodies and Heart Sense
Hayri Dortivonyuylo
PhD | Architecture, Georgia Tech | 2021 – 2023
Studio Member, Major contributions to Smart Cities and Technocreep
Horyun Song
MS, Georgia Tech | 2016 – 2018
Project: “Untangling the Perception of Sex Difference in Biological Research”
Lorina Navarro
MS, Georgia Tech | 2015 – 2017
Winner of 2017 4S Making and Doing Award
Project: “Our Driverless Futures: Speculating Ethical Dilemmas of Self-Driving Cars”
Michelle Partogi
MS, Georgia Tech | 2014 – 2016
Winner of 2016 Best Digital Media MS Thesis Award
Project: “Our AIMS: Changing Organizational Culture through Co-Design”
Ridhima Gupta
MS Human-Computer Interaction, Georgia Tech | 2015 – 2018
Research and Teaching Assistant
Binjie Sun
MS Industrial Design, Georgia Tech | 2015 – 2018
Public Understanding of Science
Brighton Vino Jegarajan
MS Human-Computer Interaction, Georgia Tech | 2014 – 2016
Public Understanding of Science
Justeen Lee
BS Industrial Design, Georgia Tech | 2014 – 2016
Public Understanding of Science
Rose Peng
MS Human-Computer Interaction, Georgia Tech | 2014-2015
Project: “Atlanta Beltline Exploration App”