BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
Maria Penler graduated with a BFA in Digital Arts from BGSU in 2018 and is currently pursuing a Master of Design degre in the Integrative Design program, expecting to graduate in December 2024. Since her undergraduate studies, Maria has been actively contributing to the real estate industry, collaborating on projects that explore the intricacies of housing and promote equitable and inclusive practices. Her design interest extends to healthcare, where she focuses on enhancing accessibility and transparency for patients and consumers. In her ongoing research, Maria dedicates herself to simplifying complex systems such as medical billing and health insurance, empowering, and educating individuals to navigate these challenges. Her commitment to thoughtful design can be seen in both academic achievements and practical contributions, working towards becoming a more inclusive and accessible designer with each project.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
What makes me feel inspired is collaborating with a group of other creatives. There is nothing like being a part of a group where everyone gets to contribute their talent, the outcome is always so much more authentic.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
I hope to begin working within the healthcare or insurance industry after graduation.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
Design school has taught me alot about taking ownership of not only my work but the process of that work. At the end of the day, the output doesn’t matter if the process to get there was not sustainable or growth minded.
