Cassandra Telenko

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About

Cassandra Telenko’s research lies at the intersection of engineering design education, sustainable design, and human-centered product development. She is best known for pioneering the concept of “Designettes”—short, charette-inspired design challenges that embed multidisciplinary problem-solving into engineering curricula. Her 2015 paper on this approach (79 citations) has reshaped how educators introduce design thinking early in engineering programs, fostering creativity and collaboration across disciplines. Beyond pedagogy, Telenko has made significant contributions to sustainable design methods, developing frameworks that integrate environmental impact assessment into early-stage product development. Her work on design for behavior change and energy efficiency has influenced both academic research and industry practice. With over 500 citations across her publications, Telenko’s impact is evident in the adoption of her educational tools by multiple universities and her leadership in NSF-funded projects on sustainable design. She is also recognized for advancing inclusive design methodologies, ensuring that engineering solutions address diverse user needs. Telenko’s research continues to bridge the gap between design theory and practical application, making her a key voice in shaping the next generation of engineers and sustainable product designers.