David Russon, an instructor at the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University, is combining his experience as a patternmaker and his passion for teaching to connect with students in the classroom.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado. I moved away for school in Utah and some other events in my life, which had me living in Quebec for two years, but I am back in Greeley for the time being until I find a place in Fort Collins. I have a bachelor’s degree from BYU in home and family living. I got a second bachelor’s degree here at CSU in apparel and merchandising and then continued to get my master’s degree here as well. Outside of academia, I enjoy the outdoors. I love to camp and do small construction projects with my family. I enjoy some sports like pickleball and volleyball.
What brought you to the Department of Design and Merchandising at CSU?
I spent time in the industry and while I found it interesting, I preferred the energy of working with new designers and helping them understand how to create their own products. I came to work at CSU because I love teaching. Initially, I was helping one of the professors who had some unfortunate events occur in their family and needed someone to step in. After a semester I discovered I loved it here and the students responded positively to my teaching methods, so I have been working towards a full-time faculty position ever since.
What are your research and/or teaching interests, and how did you get interested in that topic?
My main interests revolve around patternmaking and sample-making. I had always loved sewing when I was in high school, so I was excited when I discovered that it could become an actual job. It was during my first undergraduate degree that I shifted gears away from animation and focused on this instead. Over time I have come to find the software associated with patternmaking fascinating as well.
While here at CSU I hope that my love for patternmaking will transfer to the students and that they will discover how exciting creative production can be.
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy involves connecting to the students. As an instructor, I have always felt that the transfer of information occurs better when I have a good relationship with my students. If the students feel safe, heard, and cared for, they will be more open and able to learn and retain the information they need to know before they move on from my classroom. Connection will also help them feel that they can ask questions and know that their learning is important to me.
What is your favorite thing about CSU so far?
My favorite thing about CSU so far is the people. There are several individuals in the department that have not only mentored me over the years but have become close friends. The opportunity to work alongside them has been wonderful.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
