Rose Moroney, a current student in the MA in Sustainable Design program, living in Panama City, Panama, took some time out of her schedule to talk with me about being a student in this program.What attracted you to MCAD’s MA in Sustainable Design program?I aimed to unite my passion for design/art with a newfound interest in sustainability. MCAD provides a pathway for me to pursue a Master's degree in these areas, aligning with my passions. The online format offers accessibility, making it a perfect fit for my circumstances.Has anything you’ve learned in the program changed your way of thinking?I'm currently enrolled in a packaging design course, and it's shedding light on the intricate process product designers undertake to create something. This class is quite enjoyable as it challenges me to think creatively and explore beyond conventional solutions.Has anything you’ve learned in the program changed what you’d like to do with your career?I am still unsure as to my final career goal but I know that I desire to work directly with the community.What has surprised you about the program?This course on Climate Justice has surprised me. I am loving that class.Is there a class project or assignment that you are really proud of?I felt extremely accomplished when completing my class project focused on enhancing local food accessibility. I developed an innovative application facilitating seamless connections between local businesses and nearby farmers. The primary objective was to foster stronger ties within the local community while bolstering the regional economy.What are you currently doing or working on?I am currently working on my Zine about Climate Justice and Material, Process & Water project for Packaging Design.What is the most exciting or inspiring thing you've learned in the program so far?In my climate justice course, I recently delved into the concept of False Sustainability Solutions. This enlightening exploration revealed the facade of performative "solutions" enacted by governments, organizations, and businesses behind the scenes.What has been your proudest moment or project in sustainability or sustainable design?I consider one of my proudest moments to be when I grasped the intricate web of systemic changes necessary to design for sustainability. Understanding the array of factors at play in creating sustainable solutions was a pivotal moment in my journey of learning and growth.What sustainability or sustainable design projects are you looking forward to working on?I am looking forward to researching for my thesis project and possibly taking biomimicry.What have been the most important or useful things that you learned in the program?I've come to realize that the most invaluable lessons lie in the tools provided for enacting sustainable change and the emphasis on centering social and environmental sustainability in discussions about change.What have you learned in the program that you wish everyone would learn?I believe everyone needs to learn more about the social aspects that need to be considered when trying to design for sustainability.What recommendations do you have for people considering a career in sustainable design?I wholeheartedly endorse approaching every situation with a global perspective and an open mind. Embracing diverse viewpoints and understanding global dynamics fosters empathy, innovation, and collaboration, ultimately leading to more effective problem-solving and positive change.If you had a magic wand and could completely solve one sustainability problem, what would it be?Absolutely, social sustainability is paramount because it ensures that all voices are heard and represented at the table. When every perspective is valued and included, we can collaboratively work towards enacting meaningful environmental change that addresses the diverse needs and concerns of communities worldwide.What kind of courses would you like to see more of?Expanding courses on policy and urban planning within the realm of sustainable education could provide designers with the necessary tools to engage in systemic change effectively. By equipping artists with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind policy development and urban planning, they can more actively participate in shaping policies and accessing spaces where change is initiated. This interdisciplinary approach could empower designers to leverage their creativity and influence towards fostering more sustainable and equitable societies.Thank you, Rose!