GDES Students Named 2025 GDUSA Students to Watch

Gleason and Webster will both graduate from SIGD with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design this upcoming May.

Throughout his time at Auburn, Gleason has been deeply engaged in exploring the intersection of design and science, and his work has earned him recognition both on and off campus. Last summer, he participated in the Biodesign Challenge Summit, an international student conference and design competition held at the Parsons School of Design and Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Gleason’s team was awarded Outstanding Biodesign Display for their project, “From the Ashes,” developed to promote conservation efforts at the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) on the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast.

Gleason’s research, which extends beyond traditional design work, reflects that same interest in bridging design and science. Over the past year, he has partnered with Aerospace Engineering through an undergraduate research fellowship, developing a board game that models the economics of satellite launches. He has also collaborated with Assistant Professor Devon Ward on speculative design research, exploring environmental personhood and using data visualization to make intricate concepts more accessible.

“Devon’s mentorship has profoundly affected my ability to use design as a tool for problem solving and opened my eyes to the world of interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields of science and design,” he stated. “I am extremely grateful for his mentorship and all the opportunities it has afforded me.”

This foundation of cross-disciplinary work continues to shape Gleason’s senior project, Ultimatum, which represents a nationwide environmental protest designed to combat apathy and despair surrounding climate change. He envisions the project as both a warning and a call to action, empowering individuals to recognize their ability to address systemic environmental issues.

As President of Auburn’s student chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), a professional organization for design, Caroline Webster is no stranger to making the most of her Auburn experience. During her time as a student, she has contributed her design skills to the College of Architecture, Design and Construction; The Circle, Auburn’s student-led literary arts magazine; and Auburn Magazine, published by the Auburn Alumni Association.

She received a National Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press for excellence in student journalism, and her design expertise has earned her notable recognition on multiple occasions. One standout project, Gas Station House of Cards, earned a Gold Merit Award in the 2023 Graphic Design Juried Student Show and went on to win Best of Show at the University & College Designers Association (UCDA). The Pale Blue Dot—a motion graphics project that brings to life an excerpt of astronomer Carl Sagan’s 1994 book of the same name—was named a finalist in the 2024 Flux Design Student Design Competition. The project was completed under the direction of Associate Professor Courtney Windham. Webster credits Windham for her influence, noting how Windham’s consistent support, guidance and sharing of competition opportunities have greatly expanded her design horizons.

Webster’s senior project, One Shelf, centers around a brand identity for a library and community space dedicated to supporting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. The project aims to provide a space of unity and acceptance, combating the isolation many individuals face today.

Reflecting on GDUSA’s recognition, Webster shared, “This is such an amazing honor that I cannot begin to put into words. I feel very grateful and hope to continue using design to advocate for change.”