Global Perspectives: Sue Fairburn's Journey
Sue Fairburn, a faculty member in the Faculty of Product Design/Technical Apparel at KPU, recently embarked on an enriching international experience, made possible through KPU's Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Fund. This fund, which offers up to $5,000 to KPU faculty, aims to deepen the KPU's global presence by supporting faculty participation in international exchanges and experiences.
In 2024, Global KPU’s SDGs Fund enabled Sue to visit several prestigious universities, including the National Institute of Design (India), University of Innsbruck (Austria), and the New Design University (Austria). During these visits, Sue engaged in discussions that covered a broad spectrum of topics, such as design and education research at the National Institute of Design and expanding exchange programs at the New Design University.
One of the key insights Sue gained from her travels was the challenge of understanding how global issues, like climate change and politics, impact student communities. While she is familiar with local community engagement, Sue noted that seeing these issues firsthand in both urban and rural areas in India gave her a deeper understanding of climate change and its real-world effects—such as biodiversity loss and resource extraction.
Sue emphasized the importance of communication and mutual understanding during these encounters. By conversing directly with members of the local community, she gained invaluable insights into their concerns and approaches to addressing challenges. She is confident that these experiences will shape the curriculum she brings back to KPU, equipping her students with a broader, more global perspective.
During her visit to the National Institute of Design, Sue participated in a Q&A session with master's program students, discussing topics like design for space and extreme weather events. These activities were deeply rooted in Sue’s research and teaching goals, enabling her to return to KPU with data and stories that will enhance her work with students.
A highlight of Sue’s trip was the opportunity to spend three weeks in a rural setting, which allowed for deeper engagement with local community members. Sue described having informal conversations with tradespeople, students, and teachers, gaining insights into the geography, social history, and climate change challenges in the area. This experience, she says, reinforced the value of international exchanges in broadening one’s understanding of global issues.
Her activities during the trip aligned closely with KPU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Reflecting on the experience, Sue encourages other KPU faculty to take advantage of this opportunity. She believes stepping outside one’s routine allows for meaningful learning about different cultures, and the reflections gained from such experiences will continue to shape one’s professional life for years to come.
For faculty members interested in similar international opportunities, Sue recommends applying for the KPU’s Global SDG Fund. "These experiences offer valuable learning that extends far beyond the classroom and have a lasting impact" she says.
