Bio: I am a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University. I work in the Design Engineering Lab, advised by Professor Andy Dong. I received my BS from the University of Washington in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering. From 2016-2021, I worked at HP Inc. as a senior mechanical design engineer and MEMS process engineer developing HP’s first color MultiJet Fusion 3D printer and 2D inkjet printhead technology, respectively.

My research is centered in Design Theory and Methodology. I am interested in applying design justice centered theory and practice through creating practical design decision making tools to improve equitable engineering processes, practice, and pedagogy. My work builds from queer and feminist studies, systems engineering, and design practice.

This website also provides a look into some of my personal projects. Outside of work, I spend my time community organizing to reduce entrance barriers to the outdoors for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). In 2020, I founded Corvallis Climbers of Color, an organization rooted in creating community and access to climbing and the outdoors for BIPOC in Corvallis and the greater Pacific Northwest. I have been awarded multiple nationally competitive grants to fund my organization’s mission; you can read more about my work in the ‘Corvallis Climbers of Color’ tab of this website.

I am also a first-gen engineer and graduate student, a queer living with an acquired mobility disability, an avid climber and mountaineer, and child of immigrants. These identities ground me in my world-views and research. I am honored and privileged to be here because of my amazing support network of friends, family, and community. I also have a blog where I write more about my queer Asian and disabled identities, including my recovery following a near-death climbing accident in Summer 2022.

Contact: kangsa at oregonstate dot edu