UIF Fellows present innovative campus solutions to CMU leadership

The University Innovation Fellows team reached a milestone this week as they presented their design-thinking project to campus stakeholders, including College of Business Administration Dean Chris Moberg, faculty mentors, and university partners committed to supporting student innovation.

The University Innovation Fellows program, created at Stanford’s d.school, trains students in design thinking and campus innovation. Fellows identify needs on their campus and design projects that create meaningful change.

The event showcased months of work that began with the UIF Fellows’ landscape analysis and evolved into a proposal focused on integrating virtual reality technology into CMU classrooms to strengthen experiential learning and expand access to immersive simulations across disciplines.

Design thinking in action

Senior Jackson Raymond, a Finance and Entrepreneurship double major, said the presentation highlighted how much the Fellows have grown through the UIF experience.

“Design thinking has given us a framework to break down problems, brainstorm solutions, and understand what students are really asking for,” Raymond said. “Presenting to university leaders made it real—we could see how our ideas could make a genuine impact.”

The team explained how VR could allow students to simulate real-world scenarios, build confidence, and access learning experiences that are often costly or inaccessible.

“With the constant growth of technology, there are so many opportunities to add VR into the curriculum,” Raymond said. “These headsets can simulate what students may see post-graduation and give them practical, safe, hands-on experience.”

Student motivations and meaningful contributions

For senior, Shamita Devanand, an Actuarial Science & Statistics major and international student from Mumbai, India, joining UIF was a chance to create something lasting.

“I’ve always wanted to create a meaningful legacy on campus and give back to the community that has supported my personal and academic growth,” she said. “The UIF program felt like the perfect platform to channel my ideas into action and make a lasting impact through creativity and collaboration.”

She added that the program’s approach to problem-solving has reshaped how she thinks.

“The biggest lesson I’ll carry forward is design thinking,” she said. “It’s changed the way I solve problems—encouraging me to explore innovative solutions and involve users in every step of the process.”

Nicole Watts, a Marketing: Professional Sales major from Novi, Mich., shared a similar feeling of inspiration after the presentation.

 “The UIF program has opened my eyes to what real change can look like. Having the chance to contribute to solutions that support both students and faculty has been incredibly meaningful. The stakeholders meeting was especially inspiring, as I had the opportunity to be surrounded by true changemakers and have a voice in the process. I’m deeply grateful to have been chosen for this experience.”

CBA leadership highlights real impact on campus

The event underscored the program’s deep connection to the College of Business Administration. Julie Messing, executive director of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship and coordinator for CMU’s UIF program, said UIF Fellows consistently strengthen CMU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“These students are change makers,” Messing said. “Their work reflects creativity, leadership, and a commitment to improving the student experience—qualities the College of Business is proud to support.”

The Fellows’ accomplishments were made possible, in part, by the generosity of Lon and Vicki Bohannon, whose gift supports CMU’s involvement in the University Innovation Fellows program, including training, conference travel, and the hands-on experiences behind bold ideas like this year’s VR initiative. 

 “We’re incredibly grateful to Lon and Vicki for investing in this program,” Moberg said. “Because of their support, our Fellows can dive into real problems, develop solutions that matter, and present their ideas to leaders who can help move them forward.” 

Continuing momentum

After the presentation, the Fellows met with stakeholders to discuss feedback and explore next steps. For many, the event was a moment of validation.

“Our schedules are packed, but the teamwork has been incredible,” Raymond said. “Seeing everything come together today showed why the hard work matters.”

Faculty Fellow and mentor Gustav Verhulsdonck said the Fellows’ work reflects the true purpose of the UIF program. “These students aren’t just completing a program—they’re shaping the future of CMU.”