When Giuliana first arrived at Cleveland State University (CSU), she stood at a crossroads: pursue Graphic Design, a long-time creative passion, or follow the analytical path of Computer Science. A scholarship from the Washkewicz College of Engineering nudged her toward the latter, but a conversation in Spring 2024 with advisor Tiffany Murrell would redefine her academic journey entirely.

Murrell introduced her to CSU’s then-new integrated degree in Computer Science and Graphic Design—a combination that felt like it was crafted just for her. "As a society, we’re seeing more and more overlap between seemingly different fields," Giuliana explained. "Technology is integrated into every part of our lives, and this major represents that intersection."

Though still in the early stages of the program, Giuliana has already encountered challenges that push her creatively and analytically. One standout moment came during an Adobe Illustrator project in ART 244. Tasked with creating an interpretive self-portrait with minimal constraints, she found herself paralyzed by the creative freedom. Her solution? She turned to her analytical roots—gathering data from friends and family to design a piece that fused both sides of her personality.

Giuliana’s academic experience has been bolstered by two key scholarships: the Washkewicz Engineering Scholarship and the Sherwin-Williams Engineering Success Scholar program. These not only eased her transition from the suburbs to city life but also surrounded her with a motivating community. “These scholarships remind me to always put my best foot forward. They’ve raised the bar for what I expect from myself.”

Outside the classroom, Giuliana is weaving together her dual passions through various hands-on experiences. As a Graphic Design Assistant for the College of Engineering, she designs promotional materials for engineering events—an ideal blend of tech and creativity. She also found a supportive community in Viking Catholic, which helps her navigate city life and stay grounded.

Another major influence on her journey has been Tech Corps, a nonprofit focused on expanding programming education in underserved areas. Giuliana began working with them after the Spring 2024 Engineering Career Fair. Teaching kids about computers and coding has been, in her words, “truly indescribable.”

Looking to the future, Giuliana sees herself thriving in roles such as web development or UI/UX design—careers that perfectly suit her interdisciplinary training. “The beauty of this major is the fluidity it offers,” she says. “Some roles may require more design, others more programming—but having both makes me a stronger candidate.”

To those considering an integrated or interdisciplinary major, Giuliana’s advice is passionate and direct: “DO IT! It’s not a double major, and it’s so rewarding. Blending creative and technical fields has made me a different person—I’ve reclaimed my creative side.”

With graduation on the horizon, Giuliana is actively networking and embracing everything Cleveland’s dynamic tech and design industries have to offer. Her journey at CSU is proof that you don’t have to choose between left-brain logic and right-brain creativity—you can build a future that honors both.