18 | LEHIGH ALUMNI BULLETIN | FROM THE NEST In a world facing complex challenges, Design Thinking offers a powerful approach to problem-solving that recognizes the needs of the end user in every solution. Lehigh, which is committed to advancing human-centered innovation, has been accepted into the Global Design Thinking Alliance (GDTA), a global network dedicated to this shared goal. Lehigh is just the fourth U.S. institution to be accepted into this alliance, underscoring a deep commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurial innovation and creativity on both local and “You hear all the time about awesome science that’s being done, work that seems so pivotal, but then we as consumers don’t see the end product of it when we’re walking down the aisles.” global scales. The GDTA connects Design Thinking practitioners from diverse disciplines across 23 countries on five continents. “Training students in Design Thinking is perfectly aligned with our institution’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers as ‘Future Makers,’” Nathan Urban, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, said. “Graduates who can approach challenges from the perspective of the human end user will be uniquely positioned to change their industries and communities in positive ways.” Implementation Lehigh is actively implementing Design Thinking principles across campus with initiatives including the Designing Your Life curriculum used by the Center for Career and Professional Development to foster career readiness, the Lehigh User Designed Inquiry initiative that focuses on innovation in education and the Design Thinking for Innovation course available to all students. Lehigh’s Baker Institute is working to embed Design Thinking for Future Makers modules in courses across all disciplines. Lehigh’s Office of Entrepreneurship will serve as the university’s member representative. —Kristin Laudenslager Human-Centered by Design PARTNERSHIP Whitney Blocher McTigue An assistant professor in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, McTigue has multiple innovative research projects underway that reflect her commitment to helping fundamental science reach consumers in the real world. PODCAST | FACULTY New Muslim Student Life Director Lehigh welcomed the arrival of Tariq Ameer as Lehigh’s new director of Muslim student life/imam on May 30, marking another step toward creating a campus climate that champions leaders who continue to work toward making Lehigh a campus for everyone. Ameer’s appointment marks a significant step forward in Lehigh’s commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of diverse perspectives and traditions. Joining the Chaplain’s Office as a teacher, counselor, spiritual resource and religious leader, Ameer will provide spiritual and emotional support to Lehigh’s Muslim community. As associate chaplain, he will serve the entire Lehigh community. “I am thrilled to be able to apply my skills and learnings to Lehigh’s foundational efforts to build an intentional community that can contribute to the healing of our world at every level,” Ameer says.—Amy Bilello SCAN CODE TO HEAR THE FULL PODCAST ABOUT ENGINEERING FOR THE REAL WORLD. UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CHRISTA NEU
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