Loughborough University - United Kingdom
AUTHOR PROFILE
MARIANNA JOY COULENTIANOS, Ph.D.
Marianna Joy Coulentianos is a distinguished academic and researcher renowned for her contributions in design science and socially engaged innovation. She completed her Ph.D. in Design Science at the University of Michigan, focusing on the effective use of prototypes to engage stakeholders in design interventions for low- and middle-income countries. Her dissertation, titled "The use of prototypes to engage stakeholders in design for low- and middle-income countries," reflects her commitment to bridging academic research with practical solutions in global development.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Marianna's academic journey is marked by excellence, including an extensive background in engineering and design. She holds dual Master's degrees: one in Product Design and Innovation from Arts et Métiers Paristech, and another in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan. These diverse educational pursuits underscore her interdisciplinary approach to solving complex societal challenges through innovative design practices.
RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL ROLES
Currently serving as a Lecturer in Responsible Design at Loughborough University's School of Design and Creative Arts, Marianna continues to shape the future of design education. Her role involves nurturing the next generation of designers to integrate principles of sustainability and social responsibility into their practice. As Director of Research at the Post Growth Institute in the USA, she leads transformative research projects focused on sustainable energy solutions and international development.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Marianna's exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships. Notably, she received the U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program grant for her pioneering research in engineering for international development. Her leadership in innovation and sustainability earned her the OnDeck Climate Tech Fellowship and the prestigious Design Science Fellowship at the University of Michigan.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Beyond her academic and research roles, Marianna is actively engaged in community service and advocacy. She champions diversity and inclusion as the Athena Swan Champion at Loughborough Design School, leading initiatives towards achieving certification by 2025. She co-founded the French Observatory for Post-Growth and De-Growth, reflecting her commitment to advancing sustainable practices and social equity through interdisciplinary collaboration.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Marianna is a dedicated member of the Design Research Society and the Design Justice Network, where she contributes her expertise in advocating for ethical design practices and social justice. Her involvement in climate education with the Climate Fresk and Digital Collage as a professional facilitator further highlights her commitment to fostering global awareness and action on climate change.
Through her multifaceted roles in academia, research, and community engagement, Marianna Joy Coulentianos exemplifies a visionary leader dedicated to advancing sustainable development and inclusive design practices worldwide. Her impactful contributions continue to shape the future of design and engineering disciplines, driving positive change across diverse communities and industries.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION