Will Martin (he/him)

College of Fine Arts

School of Design / PhD in Transition Design

Hometown: Denver, colorado

1. What are your academic and/or professional goals?

   After completing my PhD, I hope to find meaningful avenues to collaborate with other passionate folks in contexts that marry rigorous, cutting-edge research with applied on-the-ground knowledge and practices that can make a difference in everyday lives. That work might be through academic research that works closely with communities or with impact and research-driven organizations.

2. Tell us about a significant moment in your journey at CMU so far.

   I had my first conference paper accepted last year, and with it, I had the opportunity to converse with a global network of researchers working on transition design. It was inspiring to enter such an important dialogue with a diverse group of dedicated researchers.

3. What do you like to do in your time away from academic work? 

   I have a partner and two young sons, and we love to explore the region's many unique neighborhoods, towns, and hiking trails.

4. Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?

   I had a date night with my wife at Apteka in Bloomfield. The food is incredibly rich and complex and tastes very much of its place. That is not only because of its unique cultural inflections (vegan + Polish) but also because some ingredients had been locally foraged.

5. What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?

   The neighbors. I grew up adoring Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Of all the cities I’ve lived in, Pittsburgh feels the most neighborly. I thank Fred Rogers for that. We feel lucky to be in such a great city.