Error message
Please set or check the UMD Today News API Bearer token on the UMD Terp modules configuration page.Newsroom
Locally published Articles
A Journey Through Design
This past January, Christina Hnatov, Academy Experience and Curriculum Designer, and TLS Alum and friend of the Academy, Gerald Suarez, embarked on a two-week experiential learning adventure through Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. Their mission?
Academy Alumni Spotlight: Clark Mitchell
As a Peer Innovation Coach and student-initiated course instructor, Clark helped peers unlock the power of design thinking across disciplines. From teaching user experience and biomimicry to embracing empathy and rapid iteration, his journey through The Academy cultivated a mindset rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Describing it as a "Magic Grow" spell, Clark credits the experience with sparking a passion for creative problem-solving that continues to shape his career and personal evolution.
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?