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Crafting a Design Signature Book: A student exploration grounded in design awareness
(2026-06-15) René Capella; Madhumitha Rajesh; Annie Huang; Stella Huang; Maxine Tang; Cynthia J. Atman
This technical report documents the Design Signatures Book Design Research Group (DRG), a ten-week cohort that met in Spring 2026 at the University of Washington's Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering. Facilitated by Cindy Atman and co-facilitated by René Capella, the DRG served both as a learning experience for the four-participant cohort and as a structured testing ground for ideas in a forthcoming public-facing book on design signatures, the characteristic patterns and commitments that distinguish an individual designer's process. The DRG unfolded in three parts. In Weeks 1 through 3, participants oriented themselves to their own design processes through retrospective design postcards, models of design activity, design awareness questions, and an introduction to design process resilience. In Weeks 4 through 9, participants shifted from designers to readers and contributors, taking up a different lens each week the book might use to frame its content: reflection, social justice and equity, theories as frames, narrative psychology, the form and function of the book, identity development, and ambiguity. Week 10 returned the cohort to their evolving design signatures and a final synthesis. The report compiles weekly postcards and reflections, book-facing and personal writing, a three-part final synthesis, and curated book recommendations. It is organized in two registers: a week-by-week account of the DRG, and individual participant contributions presented in full. The DRG offered the book project an early read on how the design signature concept lands with a thoughtful audience, and surfaced patterns about audience, framing, and format that the book can carry forward.
Central Bank Independence: Implications in a Global Macroeconomic Environment
(2026) Langley, Frederick Leonard
This paper analyzes the role of central bank independence as a monetary policy tool, within a global framework. I begin with a historical analysis of how CBI emerged and developed over the 20th century, tracing the role of geopolitical forces and theoretical developments in shaping this institutional idea. I then consider heterodox opinions on CBI, which criticize it's foundational lack of democratic legitimacy, question its empirical efficacy, or otherwise complicate the simplistic theoretical picture. Finally, the bulk of the paper constitutes a mathematical game-theoretic analysis of monetary policy in a two-country model (U.S. - China). I subject the model to a shock representing loss of Federal Reserve independence, and interpret the results. I find that loss of Fed independence creates economic disturbances in both of the model's countries, and that this disturbance begins the moment that loss of independence is factored into economic expectations. An additional finding is that international coordination effectively contains most of the economic ill effects, by subjecting the Federal reserve to a new constraint and resolving the game-theoretic conflict between U.S. and China monetary policymakers.
Universal Basic Income: A Policy Whose Times Is Coming
(2026) Pittman, Brandon
Artificial Intelligence has arrived and its wide-spread adoption acts as harbinger to a global paradigm shift. This shift affects much more than just finance, commerce, or labor and will warrant a re-examination of every aspect of American life. What today seems preposterous might tomorrow be praised; what we once thought of as impenetrable conventional wisdom, may be viewed as dogmatic and keep us with one foot in the old world as we struggle with new-world problems. Universal Basic Income, as discussed in this paper, may be the imperfect solution to address the perils of ‘progress’. Through hundreds of years such an idea has existed in the U.S., but given its fierce opposition, only now could it be seriously considered on a grand scale. Following decades of outsourcing and automation as we approached and continued through the twenty-first century, U.S. labor has withstood several proverbial body blows. Widespread adoption of A.I. and potential A.G.I. (Artificial General Intelligence) may deliver the final knockout punch. This is an eventuality we are not presently prepared for. Before we reach the logical conclusion to the demand for human capital; or at least on a society-sustaining scale, we must reexamine alternatives to our present way of life. This includes everything from what we expect from our government to how we as individuals view the very concept of work. What principles of longstanding economic theory may need to be ditched in favor of addressing an existential threat; and at what costs can the benefits of the few outweigh the welfare of the many.
The Right to Exist: Ensuring the Colorado River’s Health and Sustainability From Source to Mouth
(2026) Carter, Astacia N.
This paper examines the transformative potential of recognizing the Colorado River as a legal person endowed with inherent Rights of Nature. It critiques the dominant anthropocentric water law doctrines, particularly prior appropriation, which prioritize human uses and property rights at the expense of the river’s ecological health and long-term sustainability. Drawing on landmark international legal precedents that grant rivers personhood and establish guardianship models, the paper advocates for adopting a similar rights-based framework for the Colorado River. Indigenous legal principles and sovereignty are emphasized as essential to legitimizing and strengthening these efforts by integrating cultural stewardship, reciprocity, and ecological restoration into water governance. While acknowledging significant challenges—including entrenched legal doctrines, political conflicts, and enforcement gaps—the paper proposes strategic pathways combining litigation, public engagement, and scientific evidence to institutionalize Rights of Nature in U.S. water law. Ultimately, the recognition of the Colorado River’s legal personhood is presented not only as a legal innovation but a moral imperative to protect one of the American West’s most vital natural lifelines and to reshape environmental governance towards equity, sustainability, and intergenerational justice.
Diplomacy and Policy: How Rhetoric Shaped U.S.-China Relations 1972-1974
(2026) Volkman, Adam Anderson; Sundermann, Elizabeth
Normalization of relations between the People’s Republic of China and the United States began after U.S. President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China. This paper examines how the foundational document issued at the end of Nixon’s visit, known as the Shanghai Communiqué, shaped the diplomatic rhetoric of U.S.-China relations from 1972 to 1974. Memoranda of conversations and internal communications from the U.S. Department of State reveal how diplomatic rhetoric surrounding the topics of Taiwan and Vietnam was shaped by the principles of the Shanghai Communiqué. The findings of this research were that the Shanghai Communiqué served as an active framework for U.S.-China diplomacy that was effective in negotiating issues surrounding Taiwan but limited what could be done about both countries’ interests in Vietnam.
Owning Egypt: Appropriation Mechanisms in Beauty and Fashion Advertising in the United States, 1922-1924
(2026) Hoffman, Lillian Spencer; Sundermann, Elizabeth
This paper examines how ancient Egyptian iconography was appropriated by American beauty and fashion advertisers between 1922 and 1924 following the rediscovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. While Egyptomania is often interpreted as a positive trend, I argue that advertisers deliberately appropriated ancient Egyptian motifs to uses as a commercial tool in three distinct phases: first illustrated as an exotic spectacle, then embodied as whitewashed figures, and finally reduced to a brand word. Through analysis of soap, perfume, cosmetic, and fashion advertisements, this paper demonstrates how sacred symbols, royal figures, and references to places such as Luxor were detached from their historical context and transformed into alluring signs of luxury, mystery, and exoticism. Advertisers used visual and textual strategies, like pharaonic imagery altered to fit contemporary beauty standards, and framed ancient Egypt as exotic yet accessible. By focusing on the advertiser rather than the consumer, this research reveals how the appropriation of ancient Egyptian imagery was not a harmless act of admiration but rather a calculated act of cultural appropriation used to sell product.
Peripheral No More: Western Historiography of the Jiajing Wokou Crisis, 1975-Present
(2026) Correa, Kalib Devin; Sundermann, Elizabeth
This paper examines the Western historiography of the Jiajing wokou crisis (1540s-1567 CE), and what this means for the broader Western discussion of non-Western histories. I argue that, through the Western discussions of the crisis, there is a clear trend with modern, 2005-onwards, discussion: scholars are beginning to de-colonize and de-imperialize the narratives of old. My analysis of the historiography of three key factors of the crisis—identity, causation, and reasons for decline—showcases a growing push away from Eurocentrism. The findings reveal that Western scholars have begun to reanalyze previously held notions of Eastern history, in this case Chinese maritime history, and debate whether scholars can analyze complex Eastern history under a “Western gaze”; and, if possible, how this can be done. The analysis of recent scholarship shows that efforts to remove Eurocentric vocabulary—“piracy”—is a step in the right direction, as it removes the assumptions that come along with such diction.
Balancing Power and Building Agency: Creating Educational Pathways within an Indigenous Community
(2026) Frazier, Cheebo Hou-E-Now-E
This is an original work co-created in reciprocity and in relational accountability by Cheebo Hou-E-Now-E Frazier and Mildred Rose McCloud, daughter and mother, weaving generational knowledges gifted by their ancestors. This study reflects a heuristic journey of intergenerational knowledge sharing within one family and how this traditional learning process is vital for community health, well-being, vitality, and futurity. What I hear from the community is the cry for change. Time and time again we hear, as Tribal leaders, how hard it has been for our membership to receive services, support and to access resources for their children, especially in the realm of the public-school systems. They come to leadership seeking solutions and answers to complex systemic issues. What I see lacking, and what I believe is the most critical need for the Nisqually Tribe and its citizenship, is adequate ties to the past and connections to the present. We also need membership to see their capacity and ability to hear the calling for community leaders to engage and drive positive change as a Tribe and community. Our Tribe has stories and examples where activism has led to astonishing feats of self-reliance and fortitude, including the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty and the Fish Wars. We need to remember those stories now. As I co-researched and co-wrote with my Mom, we used Indigenous research protocols by consulting with students, parents, Elders, and community members within the Nisqually Indian Tribe. This research links the past, the present, and the future of our Tribally self-determined educational sovereignty as the most powerful tool in Native education for the Nisqually Tribe. As researchers/writers, we are situated inside the community of research. One of us is an elected Tribal leader and the other is an honored Tribal Elder, both with the capacity to utilize intergenerational knowledges as a guide in our roles and responsibilities to our Tribe. Community-driven research evolved, flourished, and became actioned throughout this theoretical and applied project. This study exhibits the need and the value of collaborative community planning and the incorporation of Elders’ knowledges into the design and construction of the futuristic imagined state of being that we hope to see operationalized. Storywork as data is reflected through storytalk with my Mom and in community cafés with students, leadership, parents, and Elders. This work will continue to archive and digitize information. As a result, my mom’s life’s work will live on in her honor.
Native American Autism: Creating Space for Acceptance, Inclusion, and Culturally Informed Research, Resources, and Supports for Children and Their Families
(2026) White, Madrienne A.
This study examines the understanding of autism and engagement through a critical lens. It explores and considers an Indigenous worldview of Autism as an alternative to existing settler-colonial, ableist, racist, deficit-modeled, and oppressive worldviews of Autism, which currently saturate contemporary narratives, interventions, research, and social outlooks on Autism and Autism engagement. This study is designed to be inclusive of Native American parents of Autistic Children; to reflect their needs, ideas, and voices when it comes to engagement and services for their children and families. Theoretical frameworks used in this study include Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Indigenous Storywork. The contents begin with a cultural opening and an introduction by the author. This lays the foundation for the rest of the study, which is culturally grounded and shared through an Indigenous worldview. Settler Colonialism and its impact on Native American Autism research, engagement, and interventions are explored and critiqued before the research is shared. The study concludes with recommendations and discussion about the future of Native American Autism engagement, advocacy, and acceptance. Keywords: Native American, Autism, Acceptance, Settler-Colonialism.
From Resilience to Survivance: The Life Journey of Justine Whitegull Archer
(2026) Stevens, Winona Jean; Montgomery, Michelle, MA, MPP, PhD; Raynor, Deirdre, PhD; Corcoran, Carma, PhD
This research study focused on the impact of settler colonialism, specifically as it relates to women who respond through heartwork, caring for tribal communities in response to the targeting of tribal community members through the disruption of traditional Indigenous roles. This was accomplished by: identifying resilience factors shared by Elders and family members in response to colonialism; examining resilience in the face of 21st-century social issues faced by Justine Whitegull Archer in her leadership and advocacy role; and finally analyzing the research findings to explore possible pathways and frameworks for moving from resilience to survivance. This research study uses a storytelling narrative and reflexive ethnography grounded in a Wažookį (family) worldview. Within an overarching refusal paradigm, a desire-based lens and framework served as a depathologizing approach, informing the transition from resilience to survivance. Through Indigenous research methods and methodology, emerging concepts included those related to Ho-Chunk ancestry, such as generational kinship networks and reciprocity, as well as Indigenous matriarchal concepts of egalitarianism and traditional Indigenous roles. The implications are that the use of Indigenous Ancestral Knowledges obtained through relationships with Elders and familial knowledge, interpreted through desire-based frameworks, can lead to the identification of tribal-specific resilience factors. The intent of this research study is to use identified resilience factors within carceral systems at micro-, mezzo-, and macro-levels.