Shanel Wu working in a garden
PhD, Creative Technology and Design '23
ATLAS Institute

Shanel M. Wu (pronouns: they/them/their) is a PhD student in the ATLAS Institute at CU Boulder researching smart textiles. After graduating from Harvey Mudd with a Bachelor of Science in physics and computers in 2016, they taught math and science, as well as freelanced as an independent fiber artist, instructor and knitwear designer. They are also a self-taught knitter, crocheter, spinner and designer of knitting patterns. Advised by Laura Devendorf, Shanel researches the intersections of cutting-edge technology and handicraft in the Unstable Design Lab. Their work seeks to foreground issues of sustainability and justice in the emergent smart textiles technological domain.