Alex Lobos focuses in design, technology, neurodiversity, and emotional attachment as means to elevate quality of life. He is Professor and Director of School of Design at Rochester Institute of Technology, in upstate New York. He is also a Visiting Fellow Emeritus at software company Autodesk, exploring the future of learning. Alex’s research covers several areas, including emotional design, sustainability, computer-aided design and interdisciplinary collaboration. These efforts have been funded by companies such as Autodesk, AT&T, Colgate-Palmolive, General Electric, Kraft, Makerbot, Staples, Stryker, Sun Products, Unilever and Wegmans. He lectures and teaches frequently throughout Europe, Asia, North and Latin America. Alex is recipient of the Eisenhart Award, RIT’s highest recognition for teaching excellence. He is member of the Advisory Council for Autodesk University, has been a juror for the International Design Excellence (IDEA) Awards, Core77 Awards and the Ibero-American Design Biennial, and has also worked as industrial designer for General Electric. Alex was born in Guatemala, where he started his career as industrial designer, and in 2002 moved to the U.S. as a Fulbright scholar. He holds a MFA from the University of Notre Dame and a BID from Universidad Rafael Landivar. He loves playing drums, long-distance running, and spending time with his family.