FemTech Panel & Showcase

Join us to celebrate the work of NC State faculty and alumni whose design practices have led them into the femtech industry. This event highlights how human-centered design and emerging technologies are being applied to menstrual care, pelvic health, post-mastectomy support, and overall well-being. Speakers will offer short lightning talks on their projects, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Kelly Umstead, Associate Professor of Industrial Design. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view prototypes and engage directly with the designers behind the work.

Panelists include:

• Paula León is an Industrial Design graduate and medical device designer whose work with Blean reimagines menstrual cup care through inclusive, sustainable design to make hygiene easier and more empowering.
• Jabria Oliver is a recent NC State Master of Industrial Design graduate and founder of Off the Rag, a mission-driven initiative eliminating period poverty with innovative menstrual care solutions that protect dignity and basic needs.
• Abby Scheer is a designer who led the early design and development of Cervu Health, an innovative pelvic health system created through human-centered design and clinical insight.
• Yuanqing “Ching” Tian, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design whose research focuses on custom-fit wearable product design using 3D scanning, parametric design, and digital fabrication to enhance wellbeing.
• Kelly Umstead is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at NC State University whose work focuses on human-centered design, health and wellbeing, and mentoring students translating design research into real-world impact.