Bree A. McMahon is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Arkansas. Her research explores methods for disrupting traditional approaches to design pedagogy. Working with various collaborators, she develops and facilitates workshops for design students that examine complex topics through dialogical project prompts while incorporating opportunities for student conversations that encourage critical perspective and learning. Concerned with how design can be used to both solve and discover problems, Bree has presented, participated, and had work featured at conferences (nationally and abroad) and in various publications on design research. Bree attended Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she received both a BA in Art History and a BA in Graphic Design. Curious about the intersection between design, history, and culture, she began her career in print journalism, which facilitated an interest in designing for community engagement. She earned her MGD from North Carolina State University's College of Design. There, she established a research agenda exploring designing conditions for collaborative conversations within professional and student studio settings.
Currently, Bree is also serving on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Arkansas Birth Collective, a non-profit organization supporting pregnant and birthing people through financial relief and open-source education.