As a teaching fellow at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Design, I led the design and development of three different curricula. I was the teaching instructor of two core courses that serve more than 100 students across undergraduate and master’s programs. I focused on improving design pedagogy approaches that bridge theoretical knowledge with industry applications. My role included curriculum design and delivery of course material. I also served as a part-time master’s thesis adviser and served on the AD-DEI Search Committee, contributing to the university’s goal of increasing diverse candidate recruitment.
Design Educator, Carnegie Mellon University
Team & Leadership Responsibilities
Confidentiality: Details have been modified to protect institutional privacy and data while preserving student privacy.
Project Duration: August 2021 - May 2025
Key Partners: College of Fine Arts, School of Design
Leadership Initiatives
I have worked with undergraduate and master’s programs to shape strategic educational initiatives that focus on building students’ capabilities. By integrating industry perspectives with academic rigor, I brought new depth to curriculum design and student career preparedness. My role as an instructor centers on creating an atmosphere where students have access to resources, belonging, and growth opportunities
Fas Lebbie and Esther Kang Co-teachers for Persuasion Design Course
Design Programs & Actions
Industry Development
The curriculum I developed balanced theory with practical applications by emphasizing entrepreneurial praxis. I established a comprehensive guest lecture series that connected students with leading practitioners. Industry professionals were able to contribute meaningfully to student learning, increasing students’ industry exposure while maintaining academic rigor.
Student Development & Mentorship
My teaching endeavors created structured approaches which allowed me to mentor master’s and undergraduate students through portfolio development and thesis work. By incorporating industry feedback loops for students transitioning to industry roles, I was able to improve students’ access to industry experts, creating valuable opportunities for peer learning and mentorship. By developing and maintaining relationships with key industry partners, we created opportunities for student projects, internships, and guest speaking engagements that strengthened our academic community.
Institutional Development
As a member of the AD-DEI Search Committee, I contributed to the strategic planning and implementation of inclusive recruitment practices and interview processes.
Leadership Impact
Short-Term Impact
The design of my classes helped build an inclusive and diverse teaching atmosphere around three core strategies: access to resources, access to growth, and access to belonging in the classroom. This established a foundation for improved learning outcomes, supported by structured feedback mechanisms for continuous course improvement. My priorities helped strengthen industry partnerships through guest lectures and establish sustainable mentorship for thesis advising and student portfolio development, ensuring long-term value for our students as they seek internships and full-time job opportunities.
Long Term Impact
My long-term goal is establishing a diverse entrepreneurial spirit in design education that bridges academic theory with industry practice. Through frameworks, models, and expert engagement, I hope to create a collaborative environment between education and industry that continues to influence program development and student success, contributing in a small way to Carnegie Mellon’s position as an institutional leader in design education.
