Student profiles
View student profiles from the School of Design Innovation and find out why they enjoy studying here.
Shannon Xiao
Ningfei (Shannon) Xiao, PhD candidate, is passionate about using architecture and contemporary art to weave shamanic traditions from China and New Zealand.
Sudha Kandarpa
Sudha initially enrolled in a science degree at another university but the search for creativity led her to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Caitlin Tuagalu
Caitlin had been a surveyor for four years in Australia and was eager to make a career change before enrolling in the Bachelor of Design Innovation.
Qinxin Yang
Originally from Guangdong and pursuing her Master of Design of Technology (MDT), Qinxin is the director, co-writer, and animation director of Cat Hair Allergy.
Lawrence Reid
For Lawrence Reid, Bachelor of Industrial Design alumnus, the tertiary journey was one of challenge and growth—a journey he hopes to continue in his career.
Diane Morris
Life-long learner Diane Morris took her illustrations to the next level with a Master of Design (MDes).
Haowei Yu
Graduate Diploma in Design Innovation graduate Haowei Yu applied her undergraduate degree to design digital experiences that help stroke rehabilitation.
Eilish Marra
In Eilish Marra’s left shoe, she’s testing a bespoke insole made of special material that senses the pressure exerted by her foot as she walks.
Charlotte Teneza
Charlotte’s award-winning design is titled ‘Ulan’, which translates to ‘rain’ in Tagalog — her native language spoken in the Philippines.
Elijah Kingi
Elijah Kingi expressed their culture and personal narrative through a Master of Design Innovation.
Lara Speer
Lara Speer designs with purpose through a Bachelor of Design Innovation.
Kelly Fernandes
Originally from Mumbai, India, Kelly Fernandes is studying a Bachelor of Design Innovation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Jwen Yap
Jwen Yap, originally from Malaysia, moved from Queenstown to Wellington to study Master of User Experience Design.
Laura Garcia
Award-winning designer-developer Laura Garcia has an artistic spirit. She was determined to ‘make it’ as a creative.
Aisha Iskanderani
Aisha Iskanderani’s experience as a mum was the motivation behind her PhD at the School of Design Innovation.
Shaz Bell
First year Design Innovation student Shaz was a recipient of the Future Designers scholarship.
Joyce Kim
For Joyce, the Master of User Experience Design was the perfect way to get into the design industry, after a career in teaching with no formal design experience
Camden Wright
Camden's passion for storytelling led him to the Master of Design Technology. Now, he uses his skills in VFX for his work at Weta Digital.
Christy Wells
While studying for her Master’s in Design Innovation, Christy was part of an international, multidisciplinary team designing an upright, head-only MRI system.
Regan Petrie
A love of technology, games, and being creative led Master of Design Innovation graduate Regan Petrie to study Design and helped him land his dream role at Lego
Carym Wharerau
Carym Wharerau hopes to use his degree in Communication Design to influence the design sector through a Māori/indigenous lens.
Alicia Esquivel
Alicia says studying in the Master of User Experience Design offered her the opportunity to learn the ropes and get into the industry quickly.
Daniel Gardner
In his Master’s project, Daniel explored how to illuminate the problem of plastic wrappers and waste through photography.
Ananya Khare
Ananya Khare’s Master of Design research is exploring the use of textiles and craft in creating circular economies.
Katie O'Brien
After completing her undergraduate studies, Katie O’Brien knew she wanted to narrow the focus on something she was really passionate about in a Master’s degree.
Steven Almond
MDes student, Steven Almond saw postgraduate study as a chance to expand his skill set and consider what the circular economy could mean for industrial design.
Will Barber
Media Design alum, Will Barber uses skills he gained studying at the University's School of Design Innovation to create award-winning websites.
Ana Morris
"I wanted to make objects with meaning and purpose."
Dipanwity Biwas
Dipanwita Biswas, a postgraduate student from India, explored her identify through two cultural tropes.
Jonathon Bishop
Jonathon's Master of Design Innovation thesis explored the way augmented reality can enrich our understanding of the world.
Molly Leishman
Molly has been inspired by the way her studies have brought her love of people and communities together with her creativity.
Rebecca Jervis
Meet Rebecca, a student with a passion for digital design, including animation, app and game design.
James Irvine
For James, switching to design studies has led to exciting research opportunities and a career in interior architecture.
Ryan Achten
The Master of Design Innovation course introduced Ryan to new design fields, including creative coding and 3D media.
Ellen Crane
Meet Ellen, a student with a passion for industrial design, and find out how that earned her a foot in the door at Weta Workshop.
Sean Harris
Sean enjoyed how his Bachelor’s course allowed him to put his study into practice.
Flavia Rose
Joining the School of Design Innovation as a BA graduate has led to some exciting opportunities for Flavia-Rose—including the chance to work at Weta Workshop.
Nicole Hone
Find out how the Bachelor of Industrial Design course has helped Nicole grow as a designer.
Jess Noone
For Jess, Wellington was the perfect place to explore her creative side and get amongst the city’s inspiring design scene.
Tamati Kawha
Meet Tamati, a Master’s student who is honing his video production skills at Victoria University of Wellington.