Nicole Gonzalez
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About
I’m an industrial & UX designer focused on tackling the world's toughest humanitarian problems and bringing sustainable, dignified technology solutions to the people who need it most. Currently, I am working on industrial design and humanitarian program development at Elroy Air, in partnership with one of the largest aid organizations in the world.
I am a former NASA JPL Engineer, hold a Masters in Design Impact Engineering from Stanford University, where I focused my thesis research on Disaster Resilience and was a shop TA at the Product Realization Lab. I also co-founded a nonprofit operation called PRÓXIM8 for poverty reduction and economic inclusion of marginalized communities in Latin America and continue to serve as Director of Design & Technology. -
Education
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Masters Design ImpactStanford University
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Bachelors of Science Electrical EngineeringPrinceton University
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Experience
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Industrial & UX Design, Humanitarian focusElroy AirSouth San Francisco, CAJun 2023 - Present (1 year 5 months)Designing cargo storage and access capability for express logistics and humanitarian aid deployment in response to conflict and natural disasters, in partnership with one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world.
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Co-Founder & Director of Design & TechnologyPRÓXIM8Rio de Janeiro, BrazilJun 2022 - Present (2 years 5 months)Developed scalable, local work center & digital infrastructure model that has already touched nearly 1000 people seeking work in vulnerable communities of Rio de Janeiro, beginning with research phase training 30 locals to conduct 300+ interviews and facilitating codesign sessions.
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Product Realization Lab & Design Program TAStanford UniversityStanford, CASep 2019 - Jun 2022 (2 years 9 months)Coached more than 200 students in over 1500 hours through learning design tools, creativity, prototyping, & manufacturing in a shop & at scale.
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Product Designer, Coral Restoration ToolsOnda DesignJun 2021 - Jan 2022 (7 months)Led team of 9 through research in partnership with The Nature Conservancy & prototyped tools to increase restoration efficiency 5x & reduce cost 50%.
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Product Designer, Disaster ResponseReact Flood Mapping ProjectSep 2020 - Jul 2021 (10 months)Co-designed public flood sensing system to increase disaster aid efficacy, partnering with hurricane survivors & rebuild organizations in Houston.
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Product Designer, Water PurificationBBOXX SolarFeb 2020 - Sep 2020 (7 months)Developed in-home water purification device prototype and service design for Kenyan & Rwandan households during COVID-19 outbreak.
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Awards
NASA JPL Discovery Award
Stanford Engineering Scholarship
Princeton BD System Design Award
Geneva Challenge SDSN Award
GEM Fellow, HSF & GMiS Scholar -
Industries
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Skills
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot@nicolemgc, member since 2023