Michael Ian Caston
Associate Professor of the Practice; Executive Director, Innovation Floor; Faculty Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship LLC
303-871-6509 (Office)
Engineering & Computer Science, 2155 East Wesley Avenue Denver, CO 80208
What I do
I am an Associate Professor of the Practice in Innovation and Product Design and Development, the Executive Director of the Innovation Labs, and the Faculty Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community at the University of Denver.I teach interdisciplinary classes around innovation and entrepreneurship.
Professional Biography
Michael Caston is the Associate Professor of the Practice in Innovation and Product Design and Development in the Mechanical and Materials Engineering department within the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Denver. He teaches courses in product development, entrepreneurship, consumer insights, and market feasibility.
Michael is also the Executive Director of the Innovation Labs, a project-based learning center available to all students, faculty, and staff at the University of Denver. He also serves as the faculty director for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community where students learn about and experience entrepreneurship and innovation through hands-on activities in a year-long program designed to introduce students to the startup-world.
Michael spent 5 years as a Professor of Industrial Design for Metropolitan State University of Denver. He taught courses in Plastics: Materials and Fabrication, Technical Drawing & CAD, and Industrial Design Studio courses where students gain real world experience and exposure by completing product development projects for companies both large and small.
Michael is also a serial entrepreneur. In his most recent venture, he is the co-founder of a Product Design Firm, CAMIC designs LLC.
CAMIC designs was formed in July 2007 and offers product, graphic, packaging, and web design to a variety of companies from startups to fortune 500 companies.
www.camicdesigns.com
CAMIC designs also produces in-house product lines specifically for non-profit fundraising:
BalletGiftShop.com helping non-profit dance groups with their fundraising needs.
CritterGiftShop.com - helping animal rescues groups raise money.
Specialties: product design and development, laser-engraving and cutting, promotional products, graphic design, identity design, document layout and design, website design and development, brand development, product marketing
Michael is also the Executive Director of the Innovation Labs, a project-based learning center available to all students, faculty, and staff at the University of Denver. He also serves as the faculty director for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community where students learn about and experience entrepreneurship and innovation through hands-on activities in a year-long program designed to introduce students to the startup-world.
Michael spent 5 years as a Professor of Industrial Design for Metropolitan State University of Denver. He taught courses in Plastics: Materials and Fabrication, Technical Drawing & CAD, and Industrial Design Studio courses where students gain real world experience and exposure by completing product development projects for companies both large and small.
Michael is also a serial entrepreneur. In his most recent venture, he is the co-founder of a Product Design Firm, CAMIC designs LLC.
CAMIC designs was formed in July 2007 and offers product, graphic, packaging, and web design to a variety of companies from startups to fortune 500 companies.
www.camicdesigns.com
CAMIC designs also produces in-house product lines specifically for non-profit fundraising:
BalletGiftShop.com helping non-profit dance groups with their fundraising needs.
CritterGiftShop.com - helping animal rescues groups raise money.
Specialties: product design and development, laser-engraving and cutting, promotional products, graphic design, identity design, document layout and design, website design and development, brand development, product marketing
Degree(s)
- Ph.D., Business Administration, Oklahoma State University, 2020
- MS, Industrial Design, North Carolina State University, 2008
- BA, Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2002
Licensure / Accreditations
- SolidWorks Associate - Mechanical Design Certificate
- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative
Professional Affiliations
- Kern Engineering Entrepreneurial Network
Research
My research areas include the scholarship of teaching and learning specifically learner-centered teaching and experiential learning. Recent research is in innovation and entrepreneurship, specifically new venture legitimacy. I also have a biomechanics research project in ambulation, specifically offloading the heel for persons with traumatic injuries to the foot or with diabetic heel ulcers.
Featured Publications
- Community Engagement: Exploring Commercial and Nonprofit Options
- Learner-Centered Environments: Creating Effective Strategies based on Student Attitudes and Faculty Reflection
- Student Perspectives of Sponsored Projects: Faculty Best Practices for Preparing Students
- Entrepreneurial Product Design and Marketing: A Student Design Competition Focusing on Market Feasibility
- New Product Development and Feasibility: Blurring the Lines between Industrial Design and Marketing
Presentations
- Experiential Learning for the MSU Denver Community
- Community Engagement: Exploring Commercial and Nonprofit Options
- New Product Development and Feasibility: Blurring the Lines between Industrial Design And Marketing
- Student Perspectives of Sponsored Projects: Faculty Best Practices for Preparing Students
- Student Perspectives on Blended Learning: Best Practices to Prepare Students for Success
Awards
- Citizen of the Year, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
- Employee of the Year, University of Denver Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
- Faculty Senate Excellence in Teaching Award Finalist, MSU Denver
- Grant Support Award, Center for Faculty Excellence
- Nominated for Faculty and Staff Award for Exceptional Achievement in Community Engagement, MSU Denver Applied Learning Center
