Dr. Katherine (Kate) Sellen, a leading design researcher working at the intersection of health innovation and human-centred systems, has been appointed the Faculty of Engineering’s inaugural George Soulis Chair in the Department of Systems Design Engineering (SYDE).
Beginning May 1, 2025, Sellen will bring her practice-based research and strong commitment to community impact into a role that builds on the department’s legacy of interdisciplinary, human-centred design education. She will lead the renewal of core design courses in both the Systems Design Engineering and Biomedical Engineering programs and mentor faculty through this transition.
“Her work reflects the department’s founding vision — bridging systems thinking with design practice to create integrated, participatory, and human-focused solutions,” said Dr. Lisa Aultman-Hall, chair of Systems Design Engineering. “Her focus on health innovation exemplifies the kind of collaborative, forward-thinking leadership this role was designed to champion.”
Read the full announcement from the Faculty of Engineering.
Dr. Katherine (Kate) Sellen