Shujan (Shu) Bertrand is a fun-spirited, forward-thinking industrial designer and creative consultant driven by sustainability. She uses human-centered and zero-waste design principles to create product solutions that embrace the simplicity of nature and inspire positive change.Shu has designed internationally in Paris, Milan, and Seoul. She has a stellar background in leading creative teams to transform insights into new products and business opportunities through her unique approach to design thinking, research and strategy, advanced concepts, and user experiences. In the Bay Area, Shu has worked in studios such as Astro Studios, Incase, and Steelcase.Shu, who loves family gatherings, cooking, and nourishing people through food, was inspired to launch Aplat in 2014. Her passion for sustainable design, combined with her love for bringing people together around the table, led her to create a soft-goods culinary design company. Aplat draws on the art of origami and the golden ratio to embody the principles of slow living and the slow food movement. This approach influences zero-waste design and manufacturing practices, promoting innovative designs and reducing pre-consumer waste.As the Chair of the Industrial Design and Furniture Program at the California College of the Arts, Shu is honored to shape the future of design education and student development. With 25 years of experience in industrial design, she brings a blend of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to this role. Her leadership focuses on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that drives innovation and excellence. She is committed to advancing circular design education and preparing students and faculty to thrive in a dynamic global design landscape. By incorporating human-centered design, emerging science, data, technology, and tools, she aims to imagine a positive future and inspire students to become environmentally-conscious entrepreneurs and champions of sustainable practices.