Student Spotlight: Lara Cornell

Lara Cornell, a current graduate thesis student in the MA in Sustainable Design program, took some time out of her schedule to talk with me about being a student in this program.

Where are you currently living?

Minneapolis, MN

What attracted you to MCAD’s MA in Sustainable Design program?

I had already started working in sustainability within the arts and crafts fields as well as within business and I wanted to deepen my knowledge and expertise. MCAD's program was one of the only I could find that provided an established MA in this area.

What are you currently doing or working on?

Early on in the program I found a study by Environmental Action illustrating the detrimental impacts of acrylic paints on the environment and how they contribute to microplastic pollution in the oceans and waterways over 200% more than even textiles. I've since dug further into the other environmental and socio-economic impacts of acrylic paints and have been exploring more sustainable alternatives that do not rely on petroleum derived products or byproducts. I've been able to apply everything I've learned from systems thinking to biomimicry to climate justice and more to really explore this topic at depth.

What has been your proudest moment or project in sustainability or sustainable design?

I've always really enjoyed the collaborative projects because I feel like you're able to accomplish so much in a shorter time as a team. In Collaborative Product Design our team developed several sustainable alternative table designs for Target, in Biomimetic Design our team developed a garden bed that could help even the most novice gardeners have successful harvests and build community, and in Design for Climate Justice our team developed an entire summer curriculum for a non-profit to teach environmental justice to 11-14 year olds.

How have you applied what you learned in the program?

I've already created a beta program for my artisan clients which explores sustainable design systems into their own product designs. I've also started creating paints using regenerative plants and hyper localized materials. Beyond that, I've grown and engaged my own community beyond what I could have hoped with similar missions and interests around sustainability and justice.

What recommendations do you have for people considering a career in sustainable design?

It's never too late to start. I went back to school in my late 40s and I'm so happy that I did!

Thank you, Lara!