Maria Laura Ramirez Galleguillos, Ph.D.
Seattle, Washington, United States of
America
Doctor in Design, Technology and Society
Education
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez
Master on İnnovation and
Design, Design School / April, 2016
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez
Business Engineering, Business / December, 2014
Koç University
Ph.D., Design, Technology and
Society / September, 2022
Experience
Koç University
Graduate Researcher / September, 2018 —
September, 2022
• Planned and led research
activities of an international
research project on circular
economy and the maker movement
applying codesign approaches.
• Led research activities
related to migration and
social inclusion in the MENA
region by applying
participatory design and
futures approaches. •
Developed and implemented
generative and explorative
research methodologies,
utilizing data analysis to
support findings and
recommendations. • Facilitated
participatory, collaborative
and futures oriented
intercultural workshops. •
Authored research reports and
academic papers presented at
international conferences. •
Assisted in eleven courses
related to design and
technology at undergraduate
and graduate levels and
designed and taught courses on
gender equality and
technology.
Self-Employed
Social Design and
Innovation Consultant / October, 2022 —
Present
• Led social innovation and
design research initiatives
across the Global South,
focusing on marginalized
communities, gender equality,
and sustainable development. •
Spearheaded the development of
12 educational programs in
creative industries, UX
design, and digital media for
future professionals in
Nairobi. • Applied a broad
range of qualitative and
quantitative methodologies to
conduct research on topics
including circular economy,
digital media industry needs,
and technologies for gender
equality. • Guided small
businesses and cultural
projects in developing
products and services aligned
with user needs and funding
opportunities. • Authored and
published academic articles on
UX, participatory design, and
foresight practices. • Served
on the governance group of
Next Generation Foresight
Practitioners.
Socialab
Project Coordinator / February, 2018 —
August, 2018
• Coordinated a
community-driven social
innovation project in
collaboration with La Reina
Municipality to support local
entrepreneurs. • Conducted an
open call for social
businesses, generating over
100 applications, and
developed a training program
for selected ventures. •
Engaged the local community
through an open participation
process focused on empowering
district residents to actively
shape the vision for their
community. • Organized a
public Pitch Day to allocate
funding to social businesses.
NGO Odisea
Cofounder and Research
Manager / May, 2016 —
August, 2018
• Established a social
enterprise focused on
empowering youth as agents of
social change through
educational programs and
design research methodologies.
• Conducted social innovation
research in educational
settings and developed the
Odisea methodology for
fostering innovation among
youth. • Facilitated workshops
and focus groups and led users
interviews and testings. •
Secured over $70,000 in
funding for the enterprise and
presented at national and
international events. • Led
the team and participated in
networking activities with
relevant stakeholders.
Adolfo Ibáñez University
Teaching Assistant / March, 2016 —
December, 2017
• Assisted in six design and
engineering courses at both
undergraduate and graduate
levels, supporting curriculum
development and the creation
of instructional materials. •
Developed presentations and
supplementary resources to
enrich the learning experience
for students. • Fostered
student success in
project-based learning
environments by providing
personalized feedback and
evaluating their projects. •
Addressed student queries and
issues related to course
content, promoting a
harmonious and collaborative
learning environment. •
Supervised project development
and motivated students through
the challenges of their
learning journey.
Research Expertise
Design research
Participatory Design
Design for Social Integration
Social Innovation
About
Experienced researcher, consultant,
and design innovation expert from the
Global South, specializing in social
inclusion, sustainable development,
gender equality, and participatory
design. With a Ph.D. in Design,
Technology, and Society, I excel in
applying design research methodologies
to tackle global challenges. My work
revolves around community
participation, policy impact, and
creating alternative futures through
social innovation projects in
marginalized and underrepresented
communities. I have proven expertise
in user-centered research, qualitative
and quantitative analysis, and
developing strategies for change in
public sector initiatives, NGO
partnerships, and creative industries.