Our Executive Board

President

Kaitlin is a Senior from Naperville, IL majoring in Systems Engineering and Design with a concentration in Human-Centered Design and a minor in Disability Studies.

B.S Systems Engineering and Design
Kaitlin Skurnak

“I joined DFA because I am very passionate about the human-centered aspect of design. Engineering usually focuses on the technical aspect, and I wanted to expand my horizons. The people in DFA seemed very passionate about what they do, and I wanted to learn to make an impact in the community.”

Director of Project Strategy

Aayush is from South Elgin, IL. He is a Senior majoring in Industrial Design.

B.A. Industrial Design
Aayush Patel

“I joined DFA because it took a class that taught concepts like the Human Centered Design process and put them to practical use for me. I got to work with people from diverse backgrounds and learn new things from them. Working on large-scale community engagement projects at DFA helped me grow both academically and socially. DFA’s friendly and supportive environment made it easy for me to settle in and make friends. Plus going to the tons of social event options DFA had to offer helped me meet other members outside of work and get to know them better.”

Director of Operations and Outreach

Bharathi is a freshman from Lake in the Hills, IL majoring in Finance + Data Science.

B.S. Business Undeclared
Bharathi Chonachalam

"I joined DFA because it gave me the chance to work on meaningful, tangible projects that positively impact the community. DFA has become a place where I've been able to meet a lot of cool people, learn new things, and pursue my passion for making a difference! I think DFA has a place for everyone, no matter where you're from or what you're majoring in."

Co-Director of Membership

Sara is a Senior from Carterville, IL majoring in Anthropology with a Sociocultural and Linguistic concentration. She’s also planning on obtaining an Interdisciplinary Certificate in Social Design.

B.A. Anthropology
Sara Kiel

“I found out about DFA after searching for RSOs related to human-centered design and user experience. I decided to join DFA because I appreciated DFA’s commitment to not only having a multidisciplinary studio but also working on community-based projects. I believe there is so much value in working on a diverse team, and I want to make an impact in the C-U community that has treated me so well.”

Co-Director of Membership

Claudia is a Senior majoring in Information Sciences with a focus in UX/UI Research and Data Science, originally from Elgin, IL.

B.S. Information Sciences
Claudia Robles

“DFA was one of the first RSOs I discovered on campus that focused on human-centered design, so that made me very excited to join. With DFA, you are able to partner up with a local community member and truly make a difference in the community we spend so much time in as students. What made me enjoy DFA more was the welcoming and friendly atmosphere we have in our meetings. So not only do you become close with your project team, but with the rest of the studio as well.”

Co-Director of Education

Jaden is a Senior from Hilton Head Island, SC in Computer Science.

B.S. Computer Science
Jaden Ambrocio Alcantara

“I heard about DFA during my freshman year’s virtual quad day and felt very welcomed from the start. I am interested in using interactive software and computer graphics to create socially impactful experiences, and saw DFA as an opportunity to learn how to design with empathy and evaluate the human impact of my work.”

Co-Director of Education

Evan is a Junior from Frankfort, IL majoring in Systems Engineering and Design. He is pursuing a custom secondary field option of Design Engineering and Prototyping

B.S. Systems Engineering
Evan Rafol

"I joined DFA because I wanted to become involved in an RSO that would allow me to learn more about the Human-Centered Design Process and design thinking. DFA has allowed me to work on projects that have created a positive impact in the community and it is truly incredible being able to apply what we learn. Everyone in DFA is passionate HCD and working towards creating something beneficial for our community."

Chair of Membership and Professional Development

Sophie is a freshman majoring in Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability from Wheaton, IL.

B.S. Environmental Science
Sophie Meade

"DFA has given me a chance to connect with the local community outside of the university, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I love how the design process encourages us to draw from multiple voices, backgrounds, and experiences when ideating solutions."

Chair of Marketing Committee

Jacquelin is a junior majoring in Information Sciences + Data Science. She is from Guangdong, China.

B.S. Information Sciences + Data Science
Jacquelin Lai

"I joined DFA to learn more about human-centered design thinking while helping non-profit organizations at the same time. Through DFA, I had the opportunity to connect with people passionate about helping the community. I also learned more about how to effectively solve problems using design thinking."