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Campus Transformation

The Design Lab’s work includes transformative changes to the institutional processes and physical environment of the university itself.

Participants at a UC San Diego design workshop sit around a table covered in post-it notes and markers, while one member adding a note to a whiteboard.

Power, Privilege, and Ethical Response

As our society grapples with critical questions about civic and social justice, equity, and inclusion, the Design Lab has sponsored a series on Power, Privilege, and Ethical Responses (PPER). The series has primarily focused on addressing anti-racism, particularly in relation to the experiences of Black communities. Part of this initiative is a series of Studio Sessions, designed to share tools that address the experiences of our Black community, in hopes of bridging existing gaps between the historical precedent and current calls to action. These interactive sessions are intended to foster dialogue, nurturing communication, and self-reflection to build empathy and ethical responsibility among participants. Expert speakers address issues affecting Black communities, ranging from the structures of anti-Blackness and White fragility to voter suppression, education, the school-to-prison pipeline, environmental racism, and much more. Leadership and key team members: Michèle Morris, Emily Knapp, Eric Hekler, Camille Nebeker, Brian McInnis, Lilly Irani, Stephanie Sherman, Teenah Eco, and the Junior Designer team.

SPUR

The Scaling Paid Undergraduate Research (SPUR) initiative at UC San Diego is a groundbreaking program designed to expand and democratize research opportunities for undergraduate students. Spearheaded by The Design Lab, the initiative aims to integrate paid research positions across diverse academic disciplines, ensuring students from all backgrounds have equitable access to hands-on research experiences. By collaborating with faculty, industry partners, and university departments, SPUR fosters a vibrant research community that supports student innovation, enhances academic engagement, and prepares undergraduates for professional success. The program's success is highlighted through documented outcomes and impactful student projects, illustrating its transformative potential within the academic ecosystem. Leadership and key team members: Kevin Popović and the Junior Designer team.