Tyler Wilkinson

Degree: BFA, Product Design

 Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2021

I’m From: Hillsboro, Oregon 

Why I Came to the UO and How I Chose My Major
I chose the University of Oregon simply because there is no better place to be. The College of Design is a close family of highly active, creative and collaborative people. We are constantly challenging each other to learn and grow.

Before I chose University of Oregon I thought I wanted to study mechanical engineering. I started putting a lot of effort into exploring this field but I wanted more creative freedom out of it. I was very much unaware of product design as a profession until I started asking myself hard questions about what I wanted to do. I discovered this major through the University of Oregon and it quickly became clear that there was no better suited avenue for me.

Unique Qualities I Bring to My Studies
Before I came to the University of Oregon and started my studies in product design I was working in small manufacturing business in the semiconductor industry. I started at the age of 15 as a Computer Numerical Control Operator. Later, I started working for the neighboring business that would take the parts I made and assemble them into semiconductor equipment. So at a young age I started learning  about being a conduit between different fields which is a major part of being a designer. High school robotics was another big part of my early life experiences. I competed in the First Robotics Competition (FRC) where we had only a few months to build a robot for a unique challenge that changed every year. It is a STEM focused program, yet the process of development directly aligned with that of design. We were highly educated students and were often put into specialized teams such as programming, manufacturing or electronics to increase efficiency throughout the build season. I couldn’t be stuck to one thing and ended up following the whole process from ideation to prototyping to manufacturing and assembling the final parts. Having that experience allowed me to see systems more holistically.

My Influential Professors
The professor who has had a substantial impact on my academic, professional, and personal life has been my mentor, Assistant Professor Erdem Selek. In the time I’ve gotten to spend with him I’ve been able to hone my skills as a designer and begin to learn design from a theoretical perspective. He makes an effort to realize certain potentials I may have and inform me into more explorative ways of thinking. He’s been behind some of my biggest educational moments at the University of Oregon.

My Extracurricular Activities
I currently hold a position as an officer for the Industrial Designers Society of America, University of Oregon chapter. It’s a very uplifting experience. We make an effort to reach out to and visit some of the biggest design firms and learn from the most successful designers Oregon has to offer.

My Greatest Learning Experience at UO
The greatest learning experience I’ve had so far at the University of Oregon is truly understanding the meaning of “the sky’s the limit.” There’s definitely a limit, yet my experience here taught me it’s much farther out than anyone thinks.

After Graduation
I’m not too sure what the near future holds. After graduation I genuinely just hope that I get exposed to new and exciting opportunities and continue to share those experiences with the family we’ve created here within the College of Design.

Your Gift
This scholarship is very important to me and to many of my peers. I’ve gotten so much support from faculty, friends and family when creating this venture in order to bring the designs of Product Design students to market. This contribution will help us ensure we have the right tools and materials to make it happen. Thank you!

I appreciate that Michael and Stacy Koehn value the designers here at the University of Oregon. The Koehns have supported this college for a long time and I want them to know that the students haven’t forgotten about their contributions. Every time we’re sewing a new backpack design, we know they’re right there with us.