PENNY W. STAMPS SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Colleen studies in the integrative design (MDes) graduate program at STAMPS School of Art and Design. She first practiced integrating different disciplines at UVA, concentrating on public health, studio art, and bioethics. Following graduation, she received a fellowship in the Health Disparities Genomics Unit at the NIH. Additionally, she helped design an exhibit that translated the implications of genomic research into accessible, interactive experiences at the Smithsonian. Initially, Colleen planned to tackle health disparities through practicing medicine, however, she subsequently discovered the powerful potential of design. Working as a consultant embedded in a hospital, her projects included designing patient-facing tools and clinical systems to assist chronically-ill adolescent patients with transitioning to adult care and conducting research informing the design of new spaces. While Colleen discovered design in the context of healthcare, it is the broader subject of disparities that motivates her.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Stamford CT, moved to Hong Kong, currently live in Ann Arbor MI
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Lefty all the way
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Morning
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
Martha Graham
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Microbe et Gasoil
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
The Americans
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Instagram
FAVORITE PODCAST?
The Moth
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Martin Puryear
LAST BOOK YOU READ?
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
FAVORITE CHARITY/CAUSE?
Planned Parenthood
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Boxing, yin yoga, or addressing my grad school induced sleep deficit
DO YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?
Negative. I greatly admire musical skill in others.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Medical ethicist
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
“Live with intention.”
