Leadership Through Design Innovation

J. Edward Colgate received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from M.I.T. in 1988 and subsequently joined Northwestern University, where he is currently the Allen and Johnnie Breed University Design Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His primary research interests include haptics and human-robot interaction, and he is known for co-inventing collaborative robots, or "cobots," alongside collaborator Michael Peshkin. Colgate has served as an associate editor for several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement and Control, and was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Haptics. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and the National Academy of Inventors. In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Colgate has founded three start-up companies and played a key role in establishing the Segal Design Institute at Northwestern University. He also directs the Master of Science in Engineering Design and Innovation program, which emphasizes human-centered design principles.

Dr. Liz Gerber is an Associate Professor of Design at Northwestern University, where she also serves as the Director of the Design Research Cluster and the Faculty Founder of Design for America (DFA). A globally recognized expert in innovation, technology, and collaboration, Dr. Gerber has worked with numerous premier organizations, including Fortune Global 500 companies and philanthropic institutions. She co-developed DFA’s Leadership Studio, an annual summit for leaders in social innovation, and co-founded the design and business initiative at Stanford University's renowned "d.school." Dr. Gerber is committed to social impact through design, serving as an advisor to the Family Action Network and on the steering committee for Northwestern’s Center for Civic Engagement. Her contributions to scholarship and leadership have earned her several accolades, including recognition by Crain’s Businessweek as one of Chicago’s 40 Next Generation of Leaders. Dr. Gerber holds a Ph.D. in Management Science and Engineering and a M.S. in Product Design from Stanford University, along with a B.A. in Art and Engineering from Dartmouth College.

Greg Holderfield is the Pentair-Nugent Clinical Associate Professor of Design at Northwestern University, where he serves as the Director of the Segal Design Institute and co-Director of the MMM program. The Segal Design Institute acts as a design innovation hub, catering to undergraduates, master's students, and Ph.D. candidates across the university. In his role, Holderfield is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of synthetic thinkers and leaders who can navigate various domains and industries, identify convergences, and create impactful solutions through human-centered design.

Pam Daniels is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Design Innovator in Residence at The Segal Design Institute at Northwestern University. She is an accomplished product designer and an active contributor to the entrepreneurial and maker movements in Chicago. Her professional background includes significant roles as a Director at IDEO, a leading global design and innovation consultancy, and as a Senior Vice President at Starcom MediaVest Group / Leo Burnett in the media communications sector.