September 16, 2016

Raja Schaar has joined the Product Design program as an Assistant Professor. Ms. Schaar is an industrial designer, museum exhibition designer, and STEAM education evangelist. Her research focuses on K-16 design pedagogy, innovation and entrepreneurship, human-centered design methodologies, STEM/STEAM education, biologically inspired design, and sustainability. She is an active museum exhibition designer working with community organizations, National Parks, and museums all over the country. Prior to joining us, Raja taught for 12 years Georgia Tech in both the Colleges of Design and of Engineering - most recently in the school of biomedical engineering.

Raja works to infuse her teaching with human-centered design methodologies grounded in making and prototype-testing. Schaar pushes her students to apply design thinking to the development of devices and products that positively impact the lives of users. Her approach is fueled by over 15 years of experience as both an industrial designer and university design instructor. Favorite Course topics include medical devices, wearable technology, exhibition design, sustainable design, biologically-inspired design, and service design.

In addition to her decade-long practice as a museum exhibit designer and design educator, Raja has also served as the Coordinator of School Programs at the High Museum of Art, and the Director of Programs and Operations at Museum of Design Atlanta. Raja speaks on Industrial Design, STEAM and design education at conferences and workshops all over the US. Ms. Schaar received her undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech in Industrial Design and her Master’s degree from the Art Institute of Chicago. You can see one of her recent TED Talks at https://youtu.be/y7TylHIdpiY