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MASD Students

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MASD Students
Meet the current MA in Social Design students.

MA in Social Design students have a variety of backgrounds and experiences and come from around the world to explore the designer’s role and responsibility in advancing equity and social justice.

MASD '25

Alston Watson '25

Alston is a cultural researcher, DJ and electronic music producer from rural North Carolina. He fuses regional flavors of dance music with elements of funk and jazz to assess chunks of black music history and genealogy under a futurist agenda. Or, as Bandcamp said so well, “[he’s] a self-described noise machine, digital pirate, and technomancer—embodies the spirit of Akomfrah’s Data Thief in both his music and his persona, acting as a connector for different elements of Black dance music history.” He currently heads Gum Studio, his independent catch-all multimedia arts company.

Audrey Randazzo '25

Audrey Randazzo is a dynamic and innovative professional whose educational background positions her at the intersection of anthropology and art. With an understanding of human behavior and creative expression, she effectively integrated these insights into her work as a program manager for Nevada-based startups and nonprofit organizations. In a pivotal career turn, Audrey discovered the field of social design, sparking her passion for reimagining physical spaces to better serve communities. Her recent work at the Carson City Library in Nevada, where she restructured their teen space, showcased her ability to reimagine environments that foster community and inclusivity. Audrey is on a mission to redefine how spaces are utilized in the pursuit of social equity. Her future aspirations include furthering her knowledge in inclusive design practices and continuing to collaborate with individuals and organizations dedicated to making a meaningful impact on society.

Beth Pieper '25

Beth grew up in a not-haunted former parsonage next to a cemetery across from a corn field in rural Virginia. She spent her youth painting, drawing, and photographing her surroundings in between petting cats and watching trashy television with her mom. As a college student in art school, Beth’s homesickness found its way into her studio practice. Her paintings and sculptures illustrated the overgrown fields and chaos of a place in rapid transition. Art degree in hand, Beth worked an array of novelty craigslist jobs. These experiences and the relationships formed within, have shaped her view of American culture, politics, and society. Beth now lives in Baltimore City with two little rescue dogs and her husband– a veteran, a social worker, and a real nerd.

Carley Bran '25

Spending most of her life in the Chicagoland area, Carley comes to Baltimore to complete her Master of Arts in Social Design after living for the past several years in Northern California and Florida. Her time in the mental health field and as a service dog trainer informs Carley’s work in social design. She aims to expand accessibility by co-designing with community partners for more equitable and inclusive landscapes. Carley brings her diverse professional and volunteer experiences to MICA’s MASD program to build upon her skills and be an ally in Disability Justice spaces. She enjoys ice cream, eating at local restaurants, and streaming tv episodes. At a party, you will find her mingling with new and old friends, then at the snack table, and ultimately hanging out with the dog.

DJ Fleming '25

DJ is an artist, friend, and collaborator who grew up between Baltimore and DC, frequently dividing his time between the two cities that shaped him, especially Baltimore. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications and Marketing from McDaniel College in 2023, where his love for people, art, Baltimore, and breakfast food deepened. He has over six years of experience in elementary education—serving as a substitute teacher, art teacher, summer camp teacher, and working in auxiliary programs—DJ has a solid background in fostering learning and creativity. He has also worked in outreach and external relations for nonprofits and educational institutions. DJ is passionate about community engagement through art and seeks to explore how art can strengthen connections and tell stories and how designers shape public experiences and lives. His goals within MASD and beyond include working in promotion and public relations for organizations that connect art with the community and the community with art. You can often find DJ connecting with a friend, being outside outdoors, or roaming around art museums.

Imani Jackson '25

Imani Jackson (she/her), a proud daughter of Charm City, embodies the spirit of resilience and empowerment that defines her community. As a first-generation graduate of Syracuse University, where she earned a B.S. in Biotechnology, and a Master of Public Health from Morgan State University, Imani stands on the shoulders of a long lineage of healers—women who have navigated the complexities of health and wellness in the face of systemic barriers. With expertise spanning public health, healthcare, health systems, and population health management, Imani is fiercely committed to advancing health equity. Her work delves into global health, mental health research, and the critical intersections of maternal, child, and family health, always with a focus on uplifting marginalized voices. Currently a student in the MASD program, Imani is passionate about trauma-informed design methodologies and reproductive justice. She seeks to explore the transformative power of art and creative practices as catalysts for change, believing that creativity is essential in the fight for health equity. Imani’s journey is not just about personal achievement; it is a collective movement towards a future where all women, particularly Black women, have the agency to thrive, heal, and shape their own narratives.

Kaelyn Ching '25

Kaelyn is an educator, mentor, creative, aspiring social entrepreneur, and lifelong learner. Being the eldest daughter/sister is an equally critical component of her identity. Born and raised in southern Maryland, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from University of Maryland College Park, with a minor in Global Poverty. She takes great pride in being the first in her family to have earned a college degree. Her professional career has spanned the K-12 world, the nonprofit sector, and the legal sphere; whereas her artistic practice has served as her personal outlet. Highly empathetic and detail-oriented, her strengths lie in relationship- and community-building + data analysis.Through MASD, she hopes to meld her background, professional expertise, and love for the creative process with causes she is invested in. Kaelyn is fiercely passionate about advancing educational equity and economic opportunity in the rural south; harm reduction efforts; abolishing carceral systems; mental health; and racial justice.

Mashal Zahra '25

Mashal Zahra is a multidisciplinary designer and educator focused on sustainability and community-centered design. With a background in textiles and print techniques, she integrates storytelling into her work, emphasizing traditional crafts and ecological responsibility. As a self-taught graphic designer, Mashal embraces circular design principles and ethical branding to promote responsible consumerism. Her design approach aims to solve real-world problems and build sustainable communities. Transitioning from textile design to teaching, she has conducted workshops for university students and marginalized women, fostering design-thinking and entrepreneurial skills. Currently pursuing an MA in Social Design at MICA, Mashal explores human-centered and life-centered design. When she’s not immersed in design, you can find her exploring the outdoors, where she observes and connects with nature, drawing inspiration for her work.

Shannon Willing smiling and wearing a brown knitted sweater in front of colorful graffiti on a brick wall.

Shannon Willing '25

Shannon Willing is a Baltimore-based graphic designer, theater artist, and dancer. She has performed locally at Fells Point Corner Theatre, Spotlighters Theatre, and Strand Theater, and as a guest dancer for the CCBC Dance Company. Professionally, Shannon aims to facilitate communication by designing proposal infographics for government healthcare work. She has also developed curriculum and led company-wide classes on design best-practices for presentation and graphics creation. As a social designer, Shannon is interested in researching the built environment and how public and green spaces, transportation, and other infrastructure can affect community structure as well as the health and welfare of individuals.

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