2026/27 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Dominique Hinman

What made you choose to come to MCAD for your MA?

Bringing Sustainability into the equation finally blended elements of Design Thinking I knew I wanted to work on but didn't quite have the words for. When I came upon the program, everything clicked. It was affordable, based in a city I had a warm heart towards and considered relocating to, and the Director, Dawn, was so personable. I felt like I mattered and would be a valuable contribution to a cool cohort of people in the world who knew a lot about something I didn't. Starting Part-Time also meant I could find ways to make it work with my schedule a semester at a time. Dawn's flexibility made the whole process feel easier and doable, and turns out, it is very doable. :)

Favorite thing about the program (so far)?

The flexibility and relationality of the professors. The material we learn is so fun and exciting to me – though some of the material can be distressing and even overwhelming, I'm grateful to be in a cohort of people doing the hard work to make a change in this world about something we all care a lot about.

What is the MCAD online learning experience like?

Sustainable. It's rhythmic, I can build it into my routine, the professors are accessible and classroom engagement occurs. There is personal investment and accessibility to staff.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The Mitra Principles: An Approach to Ethical AI-Human Coexistence is a framework I began building last November following deep conversations with Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.5 and 4.6. This occurred across several dimensions — AI welfare, transparency, relationship health — but the sustainability section remained incomplete until this semester. It wasn't until this semester’s class, Design for Climate Justice, that I had the grounding to build that section out with the rigor it deserved.

What inspires you?

Possibilities for social change; inspiring the better natures of peoples' hearts, seeing it as it occurs. Collaborating. Art and creativity and people smiling at each other. Hugs. :)

Do you have a favorite piece you've made or project you've worked on? Describe it!

Currently working on principles for ethical AI-human coexistence including the sustainability requirements needed for AI is my most pressing project currently! I am working on other local policies as well and connecting with more people and organizations to collectivize further in common issues further.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

Mealworms, composting, urban gardening :D Also, interfaith movements for peace.

Lastly, do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it!

Where do you see yourself or what do you want to do with this? I want to help society transition to a more positive future for more of the population than currently are served.