Tackling social and environmental issues through design, College of Visual and Performing Arts students in Creative Problem Solving won an award and commendation in the global . Creative Conscience is a global not-for-profit organization that believes that creative thinking and innovation can make positive change.
The students, led by School of Design Associate Professor , participated in two teams. They completed the design proposals as part of their coursework in Spring 2024. The awards were announced in late September.
Surina Archey ’27, Milena Andrade ’26 and Haley Meyer ’26 took the silver award in product and structural design for  a prescription for eco-anxiety. Arriving in eco-friendly packaging, the prescription provides resources for climate action and education in four capsules.
Offering a calendar of local, environmentally focused events, the action pill encourages community involvement. The giving pill spotlights an eco-organization and contribution opportunities.
The prescription also introduces users to sustainable companies through product discounts and samples in the sustainability pill. It provides a booklet with anti-anxiety practices and a newsletter containing positive climate news through its wellness pill.
Receiving highly commended recognition in , Qizhi Fang ’26, Valeria Chavez ’27, Peter Zejmis ’26 and Jiamin Chen ’26 confronted water accessibility issues. The students designed a water bottle that alerts people experiencing homelessness to the proximity of drinkable water. In partnership with Hydro Flask, the water bottle measures the distance to accessible, clean water sources by color change. The farther from a water source, the redder the bottle turns.
Award winners have their work displayed online and are invited to be a part of the Creative Conscience Community.
