Since its inception in 2022, the MIT Morningside Academy for Design (MAD) has been a game-changer for graduate students at MIT. Through the fellowship, MAD empowers recipients to dive deep into design research and innovative projects, all while fostering a collaborative community. Students from diverse design disciplines tackle pressing issues in sustainability, health, architecture, urban planning, engineering, and social justice.
On May 1, 2023, MAD proudly announced the 2024 cohort of Design Fellows during a special event at the MIT Museum.
Sofia Chiappero, a Master of City Planning student in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and MITdesignX affiliate, focuses on community development and technology. Her work addresses the challenges of underserved communities at risk of displacement in Latin America, utilizing social science methods and digital inclusion strategies to design solutions that preserve community identity.
Clemence Couteau, an MBA candidate at the MIT Sloan School of Management, is confronting the rising issue of postpartum depression among mothers in the U.S. She is developing a digital solution that empowers at-risk pregnant women through a self-directed therapy chatbot integrated into a mobile app, based on the “ROSE” protocol.
Mateo Fernandez, a Master of Architecture student in the Department of Architecture, is reimagining the construction industry by designing sustainable alternatives. His research includes growing buildings with biomaterials and employing advanced 3D printing technologies.
Charlotte Folinus, a PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, innovates in soft robotics design, aimed at creating robots for gentle interactions in uncertain environments while ensuring longevity. “Surrounding myself with talented individuals elevates my work,” she states, excited about the community at MAD.
Alexander Htet Kyaw, a master’s student at the intersection of the Department of Architecture and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, alongside his MITdesignX affiliation, is redefining manufacturing practices. His current project integrates robotic assembly, multimodal interactions, and generative AI to translate design intent into physical creations.
Dení López, a PhD candidate in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, uses design research to expand the reach of Bicheeche Diidxa’, a participatory action research project aimed at enhancing disaster resilience among Zapotec communities in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Caitlin Morris, pursuing a PhD in media arts and sciences, investigates how multisensory influences can enhance cognition and learning. Her research aims to bridge digital interfaces with community-centered educational practices.
Maxine Perroni-Scharf, a PhD candidate in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, focuses on discovering and designing extremal metamaterials using 3D printing. These materials exhibit unique properties derived from their structure rather than chemical makeup, with applications across various fields, from energy storage to accessibility.
Lyle Regenwetter, a PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is developing innovative methods to integrate safety and performance requirements into the training of generative AI models.
Zane Schemmer, a PhD candidate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is committed to minimizing the carbon footprint of buildings through the design of efficient structures that utilize local materials.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology