Leah Pistorius
February 5, 2026
The Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering is now accepting nominations for the 2026 HCDE Outstanding Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni whose work reflects the mission and values of our community.
This annual award celebrates graduates who have made meaningful contributions through professional achievement, leadership, innovation, and service. We invite the HCDE community to help us recognize alumni whose work is advancing human-centered design and making a positive impact in their fields and communities.
About the award
The HCDE Outstanding Alumni Award honors alumni who demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Professional achievement through a distinguished career or significant accomplishments
- Research, publications, or innovation, including the development of impactful tools, systems, or methodologies
- Leadership within their profession or community
- Community service or public benefit, including work that addresses societal or environmental challenges
Eligible nominees must be graduates of an HCDE degree program (BS, MS, or PhD). Nominations may be submitted by alumni, faculty, staff, instructors, or through self-nomination.
Submit a nomination
Nominations for the 2026 award are open through April 1, 2026.
Nominees from the 2025 cycle will automatically be reconsidered.
The award recipient will be selected by the HCDE External Partnerships Committee, announced in May, and recognized at HCDE’s annual alumni celebration on May 21, 2026.
Inaugural Award Recipient
Natasha N. Jones, PhD
In 2025, HCDE honored Natasha Jones as the Outstanding Alumni Award recipient. An internationally recognized scholar and leader in technical and professional communication, her work focuses on social justice, equity, and community-centered design.
