A History of the Innovation Studies Makerspace

By Michael Halvorson ’85 When Innovation Studies took shape in 2016-2017, PLU’s students and faculty dreamed together, establishing both an Innovation Studies minor and a student-led Makerspace on the ground floor of Hinderlie Hall. The second idea requires some explanation, because a change is coming.…

INOV 350: Innovation Seminar in Spring 2025

We are excited to announce the course will be taught by Professor Shelly Cano Kurtz, a PLU alumna with extensive experience in the field. Shelly is a 5x founder, author, CXO, and advisor with a focus on the $3T social impact sector. She has worked…

Have you considered an Innovation Studies minor?

Innovation Studies is a great addition to your major coursework because: Courses in the Innovation Studies minor teach fundamental skills like design thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial mindset. Each course emphasizes critical thinking and the skills that organizations most want from graduates. The program prepares you…

Meet Professor Junichi Tsuneoka

The Innovation Studies program is excited to welcome Professor Junichi Tsuneoka as incoming director of the Innovation Studies minor. Professor Tsuneoka teaches design theory and practice in the Department of Communication, Media, and Design Arts at PLU. His professional work includes design projects for Nike,…

10 Innovation Studies Students Graduate

By Michael Halvorson, Director of Innovation Studies The Innovation Studies program is pleased to announce the graduation of ten more Innovation Studies minors. On May 27, 2023, our students joined the Class of 2023 at the Tacoma Dome for the University’s annual commencement activities. This…

Benson Research Fellows to Present

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, History majors Kara Atkinson and Austin Karr present on their student-faculty research projects. Please join us in Admin 101 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm!

Neurotechnology Lecture “Enhancement”

Innovation Studies is excited to announce this year’s Koller Menzel Memorial Lecture, an event taking place on Thursday, March 16 from 4-6pm in the Scandinavian Cultural Center in the AUC. This year’s panel features a bioethics discussion with University of Washington professor Tim Brown and…

Graduate Profile: Kaleb Cenci

By Michael Halvorson, Director of Innovation Studies. For December graduation, the Innovation Studies program is excited to profile one of our program graduates. Kaleb Cenci has completed his minor in Innovation Studies and plans to put the curriculum to work this year in the growing…