Stacey Chen, a multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago, has made a significant impact as a judge at events like the Illinois Student Invention Convention and the WE Local Milwaukee conference. With extensive toy design experience honed at Hasbro and deep expertise in product innovation developed through her academic and professional work at Northwestern University and SRAM, Stacey brings a rich, cross-functional perspective to every panel.
At the 2024 Illinois Student Invention Convention, young inventors presented projects combining creative ingenuity and technical rigor. Drawing on her hands-on toy design background, Stacey emphasized the critical role of play and functionality in design, sharing practical insights from her professional journey—where balancing aesthetics, engineering precision, and user experience is key to crafting engaging, safe toys. Her detailed sketches of innovative toy designs captivated attendees, offering real-world examples of how playful design can inspire deeper technological engagement.
Similarly, at the 2025 WE Local Milwaukee conference, Stacey evaluated graduate students’ research presentations with a unique blend of theory and practice. Her Master’s in Engineering Design Innovation from Northwestern University and her industry experience at SRAM enriched her feedback, especially for mechanical and industrial engineering students. Stacey’s insights into the complexities of product development—gained from years of navigating the intricacies of toy design—underscored the value of iterative design and innovative thinking in solving real-world challenges.
Across these venues, Stacey’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment shone through. She encouraged students to explore the intersection of art and engineering, emphasizing that the imaginative spirit inherent in toy design can drive breakthroughs across all fields of innovation. By drawing on her diverse experiences, Stacey Chen not only critiqued but also mentored, inspiring the next generation of designers and engineers to embrace a holistic view of creativity.
Stacey’s role as a judge and mentor—enhanced by her rich background in both art and design engineering—has left an indelible mark on these events. Her ability to translate the playful energy of toy design into actionable insights demonstrates how cross-functional expertise can fuel personal and professional growth in the STEM community. As students and researchers continue to push the boundaries of innovation, Stacey’s contributions remind us that the art of design is as crucial as the science behind it.