Nancy Richardson Design Center RDC Staff

RDC Inaugural Director and Associate Professor of Interior Architecture and Design

Dr. Laura Malinin (she/her) lives and breathes creativity and design thinking. A registered architect and cognitive scientist, Laura played a pivotal role in bringing the Nancy Richardson Design Center to life. Leading a team of over 90 students, faculty, and industry partners, her efforts in envisioning our iconic building laid the groundwork for its success. As RDC director and an associate professor of Interior Architecture and Design, Laura’s passion for design shines through. With numerous awards for teaching and research excellence, she holds degrees from Rice University, the University of Texas, and a joint Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in design and planning through the College of Architecture and Planning, and cognitive science through the Institute of Cognitive Science.

laura.malinin@colostate.edu

RDC Operations and Academics Administrator, Design Thinking Instructor, and Office of the President Leadership Fellow

Dr. Sarah Badding (she/her) earned her doctorate from CSU in 2017, specializing in measuring creative synthesis processes (where ideas translate into action), making her a perfect fit for the Nancy Richardson Design Center. She leads the RDC’s Undergraduate Certificate and Minor in Design Thinking program, overseeing its delivery, evaluation, academic aspects, while also developing executive education programming and not-for-credit short courses. Sarah possesses the master key and her primary focus centers around managing financial, human, and inventory resources around the building. Sarah’s office is also overflowing with a plethora of plants and a saltwater fish tank—perhaps explaining why she never wants to leave it.

sarah.badding@colostate.edu

RDC Fabrication Labs Coordinator and Design Thinking Instructor

Paul Callahan (he/him) received his M.F.A. in ceramics from Louisiana State University in 2013 and worked for five years as an instructor in art, architecture, and interior design. He also played a crucial role in leading their Design Shop, Fabrication Factory, and Ceramics Factory. Paul’s research primarily centers on object creation and the hybrid fusion of analog and digital tools while also teaching diverse courses in ceramics, metalwork, woodworking, and digital fabrication. At the RDC, Paul trains and supervises students while overseeing daily lab operation and actively fosters collaboration between CSU departments. Outside the labs, Paul’s creative pursuits include crafting more than 5,000 pottery pieces and winning nearly 50 competitive beach volleyball tournaments (probably due to his towering height).

paul.callahan@colostate.edu

RDC Fabrication Labs Assistant Coordinator and Fabrication Project Engineer

Danice Chou (she/her) graduated with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and her life has since been dedicated to theory, practice, design, and construction. With more than ten years of industry experience, she has collaborated with diverse clients and colleagues, ranging from orthopedic surgeons and cardiovascular researchers to forensic anthropologists and sculptors. Engaging in Fort Collins’ educational and maker communities, Danice brings a wealth of expertise to the RDC. As Fabrication Labs Assistant Coordinator, she oversees daily lab operations and offers guidance and training to lab users, managing equipment maintenance, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration. Outside the RDC, she enjoys a variety of hobbies like collecting pop-up books, tending to her garden, beekeeping, and cultivating apple trees.

danice.chou@colostate.edu

Business Operations Coordinator and Academic and Project Coordinator for Design Thinking Programs

Emma Stark (she/her) first graduated with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, and then earned her Masters in Social Work—both from Colorado State University. She has several years of experience in many capacities working with children and their families, but she has always felt most at home doing anything creative. Emma’s love for design led her to work for the RDC where she aims to incorporate as much art and creativity into her human-centered work as possible. Emma’s role at the RDC primarily includes assisting with financials, advising students, project coordination, and building design thinking programs (just to name a few). In her free time, Emma loves spending time in nature with her husband and dog, practicing embroidery and photography, and getting lost in all things Harry Potter.

emma.stark@colostate.edu

RDC Dual Enrollment Coordinator and Design Thinking Instructor

Hope Parker (she/her) holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Montana State University and an M.Ed. in Higher and Post-secondary Education from Arizona State University. Her diverse career includes roles as a 6th-grade teacher, coach, manager of a full-time M.B.A. program, head of a K-12 engineering and entrepreneurship department, and a worldwide leader for design thinking and entrepreneurship workshops. At CSU, Hope initiated the youth entrepreneurship program and currently contributes to spreading NRDC courses (IDEA 210 and IDEA 110) through an expanding, low-cost dual enrollment program across Colorado. When she’s not working, Hope enjoys hiking, traveling, playing volleyball, attempting to grow plants in the garden, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

hope.parker@colostate.edu

Design Thinking Instructor

Mark Schrieber (he/him) is a Senior Stanford FabLearn Fellow and the mastermind behind Design Case Consulting. With two decades of experience in technology, engineering, digital fabrication, and design, he’s a true advocate for the RDC. Mark excels in incorporating the art-of-making into various educational settings—be it classrooms, schools, or community programs. Throughout his career, Mark has collaborated with esteemed entities like Intel, the US Air Force CyberWorx Program, and numerous public and private schools, and eventually earned the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award from the Milken Family Foundation. When he’s not inspiring students in his classroom, you’ll likely find Mark teaching his own kids in a custom-made trailer along the Front Range and immersing them in his collection of giant pop-up books.

mark.schrieber@colostate.edu

Design Thinking Education

Carson Eliasen (he/him) is a B.S. candidate in psychology, statistics minor, and pursuing a Certificate in Design Thinking. His extensive journey at CSU began as a data science major, delving into math, statistics, and computer science. His subsequent shift to psychology added a new dimension to his skillset—making him a perfect interdisciplinary fit for the Nancy Richardson Design Center. As an invaluable member of the team and veteran of our design thinking curriculum, Carson provides critical insight into various workshops, classes, and activities across the building. Whether Carson is delivering lectures, assisting in the labs, or providing tours to curious newcomers, he proudly shares his passion for the RDC. In his free time, Carson enjoys developing video games, savoring exquisite teas, and the nostalgia of cassettes and vinyl records.

carson.eliasen@rams.colostate.edu

Fabrication Labs Technician

Leila Malekadeli (she/her) is a M.F.A. candidate in sculpture and resident expert at wielding torches and ripping boards in our fabrication labs. Lab users can look to her to demonstrate proper lab safety, use of tools and equipment, and best practices to finish your projects. Before attending CSU, Leila obtained a B.F.A. from Michigan State University, and M.A. from Eastern Illinois University. Her artistic prowess has been showcased across several regional and international exhibitions including various public works in Michigan. A half-Persian and a pescatarian, Leila plans to pull in her master’s degree by primarily producing products that start with the letter P.

leila.malekadeli@colostate.edu

Fabrication Labs Technician

Brendan Kelley (he/him) is a Fort Collins native and Ph.D. candidate in computer science. He previously earned a B.F.A. in graphic design and electronic art, and M.S. in journalism and media communications from CSU. His expertise in new communication technologies, virtual reality development, and digital fabrication makes him the perfect technician for running and maintaining our high-tech lab equipment. With years of training and knowledge of the Prototype and Ideation Labs, Brendan plays a vital role in teaching lab users in the RDC. Outside of the design and technology world, however, you’ll probably find Brendan in the mountains or hitting the slopes.

brendan.kelley@colostate.edu