Throughout its history, Harvey Mudd College has developed and delivered innovative approaches to address pressing societal challenges as part of our renowned educational program and scholarly work. To realize our shared vision of delivering “STEM for a Better World,” we recognize the need to seamlessly integrate exceptional curriculum development, teaching, research and hands-on learning with premier residential and co-curricular programming. We must engage the HMC community in creating bold, forward-thinking initiatives that drive excellence under our strategic plan, while also fostering philanthropic partnerships to propel us into the future. The Innovation Accelerator is the engine that powers this effort.
These six proposals have been selected to advance to the seed-fund stage of the process and will be shared with the community in pitches during the Innovation Showcase April 4.
Harvey Mudd Center for the Enterprise of Science
The Harvey Mudd Center for the Enterprise of Science (HMCES) aims to institutionalize mission-driven entrepreneurship by leveraging the College’s STEM focus to foster innovation and real-world problem-solving. Through a “Learn-Make-Launch” framework, the new center will provide students with resources like Eship Exploration Grants, a Summer Startup program, and the Eship Studio for prototyping and scaling ideas. The initiative culminates in the Eship Clinic, a capstone program connecting students with alumni and external partners to launch innovative new ventures. By emphasizing STEM-driven, hands-on experiences, HMCES complements the broader entrepreneurial strengths of The Claremont Colleges while building a unique culture of impactful, purpose-driven entrepreneurship at HMC.
Proposers: Zachary Dodds, Leonhard-Johnson-Rae Professor of Computer Science and Entrepreneurship Studio Director in consultation with Benson Tsai ’06 and Josh Jones ’94, HMC entrepreneurship faculty and alumni
Third Landscape COMBINED WITH New Residence Hall; Prioritizing Comfort and Community Spaces
This combined proposal envisions a transformative approach to Harvey Mudd College’s campus development by integrating sustainability, innovative architecture and student-centered design.
Third Landscape seeks to create a socially just, ecologically restorative, and culturally rich campus that bridges the natural and built environments. By conducting a comprehensive evaluation of campus operations—including energy use, waste management, transportation, and water conservation—this initiative aims to identify and implement sustainable practices that align with the College’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
New Residence Hall prioritizes student wellbeing, fosters community, nurtures growth, collaboration and inclusivity, and champions sustainability. The design emphasizes personalized living spaces, community-oriented spaces, multipurpose rooms equipped with smart technology, outdoor courtyards, and social hubs. Additionally, the residence hall incorporates sustainable and accessible design practices.
These combined projects emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating architectural experimentation, biodiversity strategies and curriculum connections to foster a culture of sustainability. With metrics to evaluate impact and foster long-term ecological improvements, this initiative could not only reduce HMC’s carbon footprint but also establish the campus as a model for sustainable building practices in higher education.
Proposers: Jia Yi Gu, assistant professor of architecture, Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts, and Karen Romero Sandoval, associate dean of students and director of residential life
Institute for Data Science and Social Impact (DSSI)
The proposed Institute for Data Science and Social Impact (DSSI) at Harvey Mudd envisions a self-sustaining national hub for leveraging data science to address critical social justice pillars. Positioned at the intersection of STEM education and societal impact, the institute aims to advance research in data science, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and create pathways for applying data-driven methods to real-world issues like climate justice, public health, housing, and education. Key initiatives include national conferences, datathons, research labs, justice-to-action workshops, and skills-building programs for students, faculty and community-based organizations (CBOs). Through partnerships with social scientists, activists, and practitioners, the institute will co-create frameworks for integrating data science with social justice, while training the next generation of data scientists and offering DSSI engagement opportunities among CBOs. This effort fosters entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary education, strengthens collaborative networks for educational and professional advancement, and bolsters collaboration with nonprofits, ultimately enhancing HMC’s role as a leader in data science education and its ethical applications for positive societal change.
Proposers:
- Talithia Williams, professor of mathematics and director, mathematics clinic
- Heather Z. Brooks, Barbara Dewey Assistant Professor of Life Sciences and assistant professor of mathematics
- Zachary Dodds, Leonhard-Johnson-Rae Professor of Computer Science and Entrepreneurship Studio Director
- Gabriela Gamiz, director of civic & community engagement
- Jamie Haddock, Iris & Howard Critchell Assistant Professor of Mathematics
- Sarah Kavassalis, assistant professor of climate and chemistry
- Lynn Kirabo, assistant professor of climate and computer science
- Haydee Lindo, associate professor of mathematics
- Susan Martonosi, professor of mathematics
- Xanda Schofield, assistant professor of computer science
- Andrés R. Vindas Meléndez, assistant professor of mathematics
Creating Pathways to Careers in Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences
This proposal expands career pathways for Harvey Mudd students into biomedical engineering and health sciences, fields that align with their technical expertise and desire to make a positive societal impact. Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of health sciences—which draw from engineering, biology, computer science and mathematics—this initiative seeks to highlight diverse career opportunities that go beyond traditional physician roles. Phase I builds connections with alumni, regional organizations and academic/industry partners, creating an alumni network for health-related fields and organizing campus events and student internships. Phase II involves developing curricular innovations, such as hands-on research opportunities, cross-disciplinary capstone experiences and potential partnerships for a 4+1 degree program in bioengineering. By showcasing these opportunities and celebrating alumni success in health-related careers, the initiative aims to inspire current and prospective students while solidifying Harvey Mudd’s reputation as a leader in training future innovators in biomedical engineering and health technology.
Proposers: Matina Donaldson-Matasci, associate professor of biology; Danae Schulz, associate professor of biology; Steven Santana, Joseph B. Platt Chair in Effective Teaching and director, engineering clinic; Naim Matasci, adjunct professor of computer science
Lab for Art, Science and Technology (LAST)
The Lab for Art, Science and Technology (LAST) will be an interdisciplinary program that blends art with STEM practices to explore the intersections of science, technology, art and society. By offering workshops and curricula on topics like AI ethics, the cultural impact of scientific innovations and the mathematical foundations of art, LAST fosters critical thinking and creativity. Students will use cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality, robotics and projection mapping to create interactive installations and digital storytelling projects that address real-world challenges. Housed in the new Science and Engineering Building, LAST will serve as a hub for exhibitions, guest lectures and collaborative design, while fostering partnerships with companies like Adobe and Apple to enhance learning and innovation. By combining art and STEM, LAST aligns with Harvey Mudd’s mission to promote interdisciplinary education and societal impact.Proposers: Jon Ebueng, technical analyst; Gilbert Gutierrez, technical analyst; Ken Fandell, Michael G. and C. Jane Wilson Chair in Arts and Humanities and professor of art; Lucas Bang, associate professor of computer science; Rachel Mayeri, professor of media studies; James Sadler, senior instructional technologist
Empowering All Students to Thrive in Mudd’s Core Curriculum: A Comprehensive Program from Pre-Frosh Summer through Sophomore Year COMBINED WITH Core Curriculum Cohort (C3) Program
This combined initiative integrates the Empowering All Students to Thrive in Mudd’s Core Curriculum program with the Core Curriculum Cohort (C3) Program to create a holistic support system that fosters academic success and inclusivity for all Harvey Mudd students.
The Empowering All Students to Thrive in Mudd’s Core Curriculum proposal seeks to empower Harvey Mudd students to thrive in the Core Curriculum by providing academic and social support from pre-frosh summer through the sophomore year. The program begins with a Core Skills Preview, offering self-paced resources for all admitted students to identify and address areas of improvement, followed by a three-week Summer Institute for select students to build connections and prepare for Core coursework. During the academic year, participants will receive access to highly customized one-on-one tutoring to address unique learning needs, complementing existing Academic Excellence programs.
The Core Curriculum Cohort (C3) Program enhances the academic and social success of first-generation and underrepresented students in STEM by forming small pods of 4–5 peers, called HMC STEM Scholars, who take Core Curriculum courses together. These pods will be supported by peer mentors for academic guidance and faculty mentors who provide personalized advice, regular check-ins and early intervention when challenges arise. The program also includes bonding activities and summer research opportunities to deepen engagement in STEM.
These combined efforts will foster academic success and a sense of belonging, and build a strong and supportive community that improves retention, closes achievement gaps, and empowers all students to thrive.
Proposers: Sharon Gerbode, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of physics; Liz Connolly, assistant dean for academic affairs and director of academic programs; Kyle Thompson, director of learning programs; Veronica Clairmont, associate dean for institutional diversity; Kathy Van Heuvelen, R. Michael Shanahan Professor of Chemistry and associate dean of faculty; Danae Schulz, associate professor of biology
In 2025–2026 the selected teams will begin the work described in their proposal, with progress reports to be submitted to the Cabinet at the end of each semester (details forthcoming). We also expect to repeat this request for proposals process next year, and ultimately aspire to realize the Innovation Accelerator as a long-term center of excellence to cultivate forward thinking possibilities for Harvey Mudd.
