The John and Fonda Elliot Design Innovation Student Fellows Program

Collage of photos featuring DI Student Fellows

The John and Fonda Elliot Design Innovation Student Fellows Program

The John and Fonda Elliot Design Innovation Student Fellows Program supports students by developing their collaborative innovation skills and empowering them to become leaders of meaningful, positive change.

Elliot DI Student Fellows engage in a series of facilitated experiences, projects, and student-to-student learning opportunities that teach them how to embed design innovation into their daily lives and future careers. Students in the Elliot DI Student Fellows Program demonstrate this by using team-based human-centered-design processes and methods to tackle complex societal challenges. By participating in this program students learn how to become effective collaborators and leaders, develop the ability to implement challenge-based innovation experiences and projects, and become ambassadors for cross-disciplinary innovation.

Applications are CLOSED for the 2026-2027 Elliot DI Student Fellows cohort.

Application & Selection

Application & Selection

The Elliot DI Student Fellows Program accepts KSU student applicants from any major, class level, or KSU campus. Elliot DI Student Fellows are selected annually based on their demonstrated willingness to engage with, and advocate for, Design Innovation at 91�ֿ�.

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Levels of Achievement

Levels of Achievement

As part of the Elliot DI Student Fellows Program, students embark on a “quest” that guides them through the 11 elements of the DI Toolkit, the “recipe” for Design Innovation at 91�ֿ�.

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Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Once selected, Elliot DI Student Fellows are expected to fulfill a series of responsibilities based on their achievement level. Successfully fulfilling these responsibilities will earn the student a semesterly stipend and privileges.

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Stipend & Privileges

Stipend & Privileges

All Elliot DI Student Fellows who successfully fulfill the responsibilities associated with their achievement level will receive a semesterly stipend as well as privileges based on their level of achievement.

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Elliot DI Student Fellows Cohorts

Learn more about our current, and former, Elliot DI Student Fellows cohorts below:

2025-2026 Student Fellows Cohort

Name	Major
Amy Zink	Fashion Design
Anne Riley	Visual Communication Design
Delonte Goodman	Mechatronics Engineering
Denajah Spivey	Aeronautical Studies
Frank DePascale	Architectural Studies; Paleontology Minor
Gabrielle Smith	Visual Communication Design
Huyen Bao Tram Le	Computer Science
Isha Gupta	Computer Science; Cybersecurity Concentration
Jacob Nicholson	Visual Communication Design; Web Design Minor
Julian Leff	Business Analytics; Computer Information Systems
Kolapo Fasina	Cell and Molecular Biology
Meadow Weiss	Visual Communications Design; Psychology
Mounika Seelam	Computer Science
Nabin Bhatta	Aeronautical Systems Engineering
Niloufar Bahramian	Visual Communication Design
Olivia Diemert	Visual Communication Design; Photography
Pann Prechachevawat	Visual Communication Design
Roshan Renney	Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Theorose Elikplim Dzineku	Communication and Information

2024-2025 Student Fellows Cohort

Name	Major
Alessandra DiPiazza	Architecture
Anna Leitson	Integrated Mathematics
DeAnte Bernard	Fashion Merchandising
Delonte Goodman	Mechatronics Engineering
Elle Smith	Visual Communication Design
Gemma Constantine	Exploratory
Harsha Amara	Data Science
Hayden Davis	Fashion Design; Business Management Minor
Jacob Nicholson	Visual Communications Design; User Experience Design Minor
Jocelyn Sampson-Dickerson	Fashion Merchandising; Marketing Minor
Joy Ogunpolu	Emerging Media and Technology
Julian Leff	Business Analytics; Computer Information Systems
Nadia Modjrian	Fashion Design; User Experience Design Minor; Marketing Minor
Olivia Diemert	Visual Communications Design; Photography Minor
Pann Prechachevawat	Visual Communications Design
Shriya Sunkara	Data Science
Theorose Dzineku	Emerging Media and Technology

2020-2024 Student Fellows Cohort

Name	Major
Aaron Rombach	Architecture
Alena Miskinis	English
Amirah Shupe	Fashion Design & Merchandising
Amrth Ashok Shenava	Computer Science
Angel Guinn	Mechatronics
Anna Leitson	Education
Anthony Coetzer-Liversage	Public Health
Anthony Rosa	Marketing
Aubrey Maguire Heald	Mechatronics Engineering
Austin D'Avello	Fine Arts (Sculpture) & Art History
Benjamin Lucal	Architecture
Brady Ingersoll	Mechanical Engineering Technology
Breanna Lowery	Computer Science
Brian Courts	Physics
Caitlyn Skilton	Zoology
Caleb Joyner	Applied Engineering Technology
Carolanne Vernier Tkach	Design Innovation
Carson Bauer	Computer Science
Cindel Hardin-Corbett	Fashion Design and Merchandising
Clifford Fumbui	Computer Engineering Technology
DeAnte Bernard	Fashion Merchandising
Delonte Goodman	Mechatronics Engineering
Devuare Berg	Psychology
Dominic Holiday	Architecture
Garrett D Hartley	Physics/CS
Greyson Byrnes	Business
Hailey Tucker	Exploratory
Haley Caldwell	Public Health
Harris Rosenblum	Ceramics
Jacob Kromer	Fashion Design
Jacquelyn Sierzputowski	Fashion Merchandising
Jaina Pavlica	Computer Engineering Technology
Jillian Eddy	Computer Science
John Tipler	Computer Science
Julian Leff	Computer Information Systems
Kalp Champaneri	Architecture and Environmental Design
Kamron Forshew	Psychology
Kayla Ford	Fashion Design and Merchandising
Kelsey Smith	Biology
Khalil Thompson	Cinematography
Kollin Battle	Interior Design
Kurt Fabregas	Fashion Design
Lorinda Dixon-Guerrieri	Integrative Studies
Luke Leyden	Aeronautics and Engineering
Maria Torres Trevino	Visual Communication Design
Mariha Ahammed	Computer Science
Mattison Cavanaugh	Visual Communication Design
Michael Behr	Aeronautical Systems Engineering
Michael Kundmueller	Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Milana Bressler	Digital Media Production
Myles Parent	Fashion Design
Nathan Wodzisz	Computer Science
Nathaniel Opoku	Art Education
Nicholas Cindrich	Mechatronics Engineering
Nick Maraldo	Integrative Design
Nitya Mittal	Biotechnology
Noman Alias	Mechatronics Engineering
Olivia Meyer	Fashion Merchandising
Omar Fatani	Mechatronics Engineering
Oumou Sall	Fashion Design
Pranav Asawa	Aeronautics and Engineering
Ray Dongkun Yang	Mechanical Engineering
Riley Shaefer	Emerging Media and Technology
Riley Smith	Psychology
Samuel Lewis	Music
Sophy Wen	Fashion Design
Sui Kwan Ng	Fashion Design
Sydney Maller	Aeronautics and Engineering
Tamara Marono Garza	Fashion Design
Teddi Wilson	Visual Communications Design
Thomas Moore	Architecture
Wei Yanxu	Fashion Design
William Johnson	Fashion Design

Elliot DI Student Fellows Challenges

Explore the real-world challenges our Elliot DI Student Fellows are tackling through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and hands-on problem solving:

2025-2026 Challenges

Challenge	Description
Heat Shield: Protecting Workers from Extreme Heat	Working with the Community Engaged Research Institute, Frank DePascale (Architecture), Nabin Bhatta (Aeronautical Systems Engineering), Roshan Renney (Mechatronics Engineering Technology), and Theorose Dzineku (Communication and Information) explored how wearable technology could help protect outdoor workers from the growing dangers of heat exposure. The interdisciplinary team developed a concept for a low-cost wearable device that monitors environmental conditions and provides immediate visual alerts when dangerous heat levels are detected. The team focused on accessibility, ease of use, and affordability, creating a solution that could support farmers, construction workers, and others who work in extreme temperatures. Their final concept included a washable armband with a detachable sensor module and a simple color-coded alert system designed to communicate risk without requiring smartphones or complicated technology.
Homelessness: Preventing Crisis Before It Happens	Working alongside Larry Armstrong of Orange County United Way, Jacob Nicholson (Visual Communication Design), Julian Leff (Business Analytics and Computer Information Systems), and Kolapo Fasina (Cell and Molecular Biology) tackled one of society's most persistent challenges by focusing on prevention rather than response. Through research, interviews, and prototype development, the team investigated how funding and support resources could reach individuals before they enter the cycle of homelessness. Their work led to the exploration of a digital platform designed to connect people in crisis with available assistance more efficiently while providing charitable organizations with better information to guide decision-making.
Invisible Fibers: Revealing Hidden Sustainability Opportunities	Partnering with Rust Belt Fibershed, Amy Zink (Fashion Design), Mounika Seelam (Computer Science), and Nilou Bahramian (Visual Communication Design) explored a challenge hidden within the textile industry. The group investigated how thousands of pounds of locally produced fiber—including waste wool from livestock operations—often go unused because producers and makers lack effective ways to connect. Their work focused on developing a data-driven mapping and educational framework that could help farmers, artisans, and manufacturers identify opportunities for collaboration while supporting a more sustainable regional textile ecosystem. The project also included the development of workshops and community engagement activities designed to make invisible fiber systems more visible and understandable to the public.
Litter on Campus: Changing Behavior Through Design	Working with 91�ֿ� Grounds Services, Annie Riley (Visual Communication Design), Isha Gupta (Computer Science), Meadow Weiss (Visual Communication Design and Psychology), and Olivia Diemert (Visual Communication Design and Photography) approached campus sustainability through the lens of human behavior and visual communication. Rather than focusing solely on waste management infrastructure, the team investigated why people litter and how design interventions might encourage more responsible behavior. Their resulting concept centered on transforming campus trash cans into engaging educational tools through visually compelling wraps, messaging campaigns, and interactive design elements intended to make students more aware of their environmental impact and the hidden labor involved in maintaining campus spaces.
Sustainability Dollhouse 2.0: Making Sustainable Living Tangible	In partnership with the City of Kent, Delonte Goodman (Mechatronics Engineering Technology), Elle Smith (Visual Communication Design), and Pann Prechachevawat (Visual Communication Design) developed an interactive educational tool designed to demonstrate sustainable living practices in ways that are accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Combining physical prototyping, digital technologies, and educational design, the team created a modular dollhouse concept featuring examples of renewable energy, water conservation, waste reduction, transportation choices, and sustainable household practices. The project was intentionally designed to be portable, adaptable, and useful for community outreach and educational programming.

2024-2025 Challenges

Challenge	Description
Local Coffee, Smarter Connections: Using AI to Support Ohio Coffee Shops	Exploring how emerging technology could strengthen connections between local businesses and their communities, Theorose Dzineku, Julian Leff, and Jocelyn Sampson-Dickerson developed the concept for an AI-powered platform connecting Ohio coffee shops with people looking for distinctive, locally rooted coffee experiences. The team investigated how an easy-to-use web application could help smaller coffee businesses reach new audiences while making discovery more engaging for customers. Their concept paired AI-assisted recommendations with an emoji-based rating system intended to offer a simple, approachable alternative to traditional written reviews. The team researched potential platforms and local coffee businesses before developing a visual prototype demonstrating how the service could ultimately function.
Healthcare Within Reach: Connecting Students with Campus Health Services	Working around the needs of 91�ֿ�’s DeWeese Health Center, Gemma, Julian, Jacob, Harsha, Jocelyn, and DeAnte explored how the university could make campus healthcare services more accessible and visible to students. The team began by researching existing services and developing a student survey, while also preparing to engage directly with DeWeese staff about barriers and opportunities. Their work considered several dimensions of accessibility—including awareness, communication, and financial concerns—and proposed mechanisms such as a suggestion box to better understand student needs. The team’s broader goal was to identify priorities with Health Center staff and translate those findings into an actionable plan for improving how students discover and access available healthcare resources.
Beyond Boundaries: Expanding Access to Interdisciplinary Spaces	Working within the Design Innovation Ecosystem, Hayden Davis, Elle Smith, Pann Prechacheawat, and Delonte Goodman examined how students could more easily access specialized spaces, equipment, expertise, and learning opportunities beyond their own academic disciplines. Using the Reactor Makerspace and other DI Nodes as examples, the team investigated barriers including limited awareness, training requirements, scheduling, policies, and uncertainty about how to get involved. Their work culminated in the development of an Interdisciplinary Resource Access Summit, bringing together representatives from shared campus spaces to identify barriers and collaboratively generate solutions. The team envisioned stronger communication, training, mentorship, and cross-departmental partnerships as ways to make 91�ֿ�’s distributed resources more accessible to students regardless of major.
May 4 for a New Generation: Reimagining Student Engagement with History	Focusing on the May 4 Visitors Center and 91�ֿ�’s May 4 history, Joy Ogunpolu, Nadia Modjrian, and Shriya Sanjana Sunkara explored how contemporary students might develop a deeper connection to an event that occurred decades before they were born. The team researched the history through archival newspapers and visits to the Visitors Center while investigating how storytelling, personalization, interactivity, and emerging technology could make historical interpretation more meaningful to today’s students. Ideas ranged from immersive VR experiences and discipline-specific educational activities to incentives and a redesigned digital interpretation of the iconic May 4 yellow wall. The team also developed a campus-wide survey to evaluate student interest and guide recommendations for making May 4 history more accessible, relevant, and engaging to new generations.
Mend, Make, Repeat: Making Sustainable Hobbies More Accessible	Partnering with Fix-It Kent, Elle Smith, Pann Prechacheawat, Olivia Diemert, and Alessandra DiPiazza explored how everyday hobbies and creative skills could become more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for 91�ֿ� students. After surveying students and researching free and low-cost campus resources, the team focused its first intervention on creative mending—giving students practical skills to repair and personalize clothing rather than discard it. They developed a hands-on learning experience supported by reusable sewing kits, written and video tutorials, and custom components produced with DI Hub fabrication technologies. The concept was designed not simply to teach sewing, but to create a repeatable model through which students could gain new skills, reduce waste, and feel empowered to make and repair things themselves.

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