Our Stories
Design and innovation—that’s our thing. But we don't do it alone. From curious students to bold faculty partners, we collaborate with thinkers and doers from every corner of campus to turn big ideas into real-world impact. This space is where we share stories of creativity, collaboration, and the unexpected moments that design brings to life. Dive in and explore how innovation unfolds in classrooms, across disciplines, and out in the world; one experiment at a time.
Featured Stories
Anntoinette Barbour Reimagining How She Works
Anntoinette from the Quantum Startup Foundry participated in the Teaching and Learning Studio (TLS) in summer 2024.
From Peer Innovation Coach to Game Creator
What starts in The Loft doesn’t stay there! Xinyi Zhang turned a heartfelt chat into Sea My Culture—a vibrant board game celebrating global cultures.
500 friends but no one to play with
In a digital age, how do we truly connect with ourselves and others in intentional ways? IDEA360: 500 friends but no one to play with is a course that explores this question and more.
Stories of collaboration and experimentation
Design Meets Downward Dog
Anne Zappas ’21 blends the worlds of design and wellness through Rooted Rainbow Yoga, her Arlington-based studio dedicated to self-discovery and belonging. Guided by tools like “How Might We” statements and why-laddering—introduced during her time as a peer innovation coach—Anne reimagined the purpose of yoga instruction. By centering empathy, ahimsa, and personalized connection, she’s crafted one-on-one sessions that empower students to explore transformation on and off the mat.
Voter Involvement Pop-Up!
On Election Day, Innovation Fellow Teresa Williams transformed a campus walkway into a space of gratitude and reflection. With the Frederick Douglass statue as her backdrop, Teresa welcomed voters with personalized keepsakes, an interactive voting importance continuum, and a message: your voice matters. Guided by the Work(s) in Progress Studio, her pop-up celebration of civic engagement sparked connection and conversation—while advancing her ongoing project honoring Douglass’s legacy through storytelling and public space.
AIE’s 10(+1) Years Unconventional Convention
During October 2024, the Academy held our “10(+1) Unconventional Convention,” gathering AIE alumni, students, staff, and faculty for a mix of workshops and networking fun! From waffles and brainstorming with Innovation Fellows to an improvisational movement workshop (and more!), we celebrated years of dedicated (and seriously fun!) work in contributing to UMD’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem—and honoring all the amazing places our alumni have taken their design skills!
TLS Alumni Spotlight: Denis Garcia Reyes & Michelle Udeli
Denis Garcia Reyes and Michelle Udeli share how the Transformative Learning Seminar (TLS) reshaped their approach to design, education, and leadership. From reimagining student mindsets to reinventing capstone projects, both educators now center unspoken needs and real-time reflection in their work. Their stories highlight how TLS fosters a mindset of inquiry, empathy, and experimentation—turning everyday challenges into opportunities for creative change.
TLS Alumni Spotlight: Anntoinette Barbour
Anntoinette from the Quantam Startup Foundry participated in the Teaching and Learning Studio at the Stanford d.school (TLS) in summer 2024. The Academy collaborates with design educators at the Stanford d.school to produce TLS. Here's what she had to say about her experience:How has the TLS experience inspired your work or the way you think about your work?