Fellow:Najla Mouchrek

Najla Mouchrek is a doctoral candidate in the Interdisciplinary PhD with focus on Human Centered Design at Virginia Tech. Established graphic designer, she developed a passion for applying design as an agent of change for youth development and engagement with sustainability and social change.

Nalja holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication (Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil). In the course of her Master degree in Design, Innovation and Sustainability (State University of Minas Gerais, Brazil), she developed a model for youth engagement using design principles and practices. She also worked as a leading mentor in sustainable education for youth in several projects in Brazil.

As a graduate assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Affairs at Virginia Tech, Mouchrek works supporting student-centered initiatives. She serves a co-chair for the university’s strategic planning on experiential learning. In her PhD, Mouchrek is working on interdisciplinary research investigating design-based innovative learning strategies to promote youth empowerment and transformative developmental outcomes during the transition into adulthood.