Karime Marrufo, outstanding graduate of the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University, has overcome unique struggles to complete her bachelor’s degree. During her time at CSU, Marrufo, a first-generation student studying interior architecture and design, participated and excelled in numerous organizations and research projects all while serving as a caregiver for her parent.
Marrufo was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and lived in Arizona during her early childhood before her family moved to Fort Lupton, Colorado, when she was 10 years old. Growing up, Marrufo was not familiar with the concept of higher education.
“I first learned about it in a school presentation during fifth grade,” she said. “I decided then and there that I would pursue it. My parents, who never had the opportunity for such education, wholeheartedly supported my choice without hesitation.”
Embracing this newfound goal, Marrufo actively participated in numerous summer college programs. She eventually became attracted to CSU because of its CIDA-accredited Interior Architecture and Design Program.
“The program aligned seamlessly with the passion I had cultivated throughout my high school years,” Marrufo shared.
Overcoming adversity
Throughout her time at CSU, Marrufo has faced various significant challenges such as mental health struggles with anxiety and depression, challenges that come with being a first-generation student, and her mother’s health diagnosis.
Being a first-generation student from a different culture comes with its own unique challenges. Marrufo experienced these first-hand.
“Not only am I a first-generation student, but I’ve also had to adapt to a culture and language different from the one in my home and country,” she said.
While she learned how to find a balance between two distinct cultures, Marrufo wanted to support her college experience on her own.
“Pursing higher education was not only my personal dream, but it was also my aspiration to achieve it independently,” Marrufo shared. “I wanted to ensure that my family could only benefit from my efforts. In my perspective, they had already made ample sacrifices.”
Marrufo’s capstone semester, initially planned for completion last fall, was extended due to her struggles with mental health. In addition, at the beginning of this year her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Upon learning her mother’s diagnosis, Marrufo continued working towards her degree and became her mother’s full-time caregiver.
“This role brought anxiety, confusion, guilt and desperation,” Marrufo said. “Academic commitments often felt like an additional burden, and there were moments when I wanted to let them go. However, my mom was my greatest motivation. She dreamed of my graduation, living vicariously through me since she never had the chance to achieve it herself. I eagerly anticipate the day I can share the incredible news of officially becoming a CSU graduate with her.”
Mentorship through support
Many of Marrufo’s professors have created growth-oriented environments – those that foster engagement.
“Dr. Jain Kwon has been an invaluable source of support and motivation for me,” Marrufo said. “Through being my capstone professor and research mentor, her unwavering encouragement and influence has consistently propelled me towards greater goals I never thought I could achieve. Despite often feeling overwhelmed by the burdens of my personal life to the extent of contemplating quitting my capstone project, Dr. Kwon never gave up on me.”
In addition, Marrufo has immense gratitude for Ryan Barone, the assistant vice president for student success.
“His dedication to all his students is something so incredibly unique and impactful,” Marrufo shared. “Without Dr. Barone’s support, my CSU experience wouldn’t have been as remarkable, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
Empowering designs
Marrufo has actively participated in a variety of clubs that fuel her passion and have significantly contributed to the development of her knowledge and skill set needed for her career. She has held the role of community service and activities director for the CSU chapter of the International Interior Design Association and was the project lead for our CSU Design for America studio.
“In a particularly impactful project for Design for America, our team collaborated with the startup company HearMe Technologies, founded by engineer Michael Hassel,” Marrufo said.
The company was working on designing a voice amplification device for individuals experiencing a weakening of their voice due to Parkinson’s Disease.
“While the company focused on developing the technology for the device, our Design for America team took charge of designing its outer shell, emphasizing comfort, versatility, and practicality,” Marrufo said.
Marrufo also completed a semester internship at Styleworks, an interior architecture and design studio in Denver.
“My experience at the firm was invaluable to my growth in my career,” she shared. “I am grateful for the professional and personal connections I have made with Rikke Jorgensen, Styleworks founder, and the Styleworks team.”
One of Marrufo’s most gratifying achievements was receiving the Mentored Research and Artistry Distinction from CSU’s Office for Undergraduate Research and Artistry.
“Throughout my involvement in Dr. Kwon’s SPACE Lab, I actively participated in diverse research projects utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as eye-tracking devices, virtual reality, and an Electroencephalogram (EEG),” Marrufo said. “Research such as this allows us to gain profound insights into how individuals perceive interior environments and therefore improve the built environment.”
A memorable project for Marrufo involved the application of eye-tracking technology to overhaul the wayfinding system in the Gifford Building.
“The goal was to enhance accessibility and navigation for patients utilizing the mental health services offered there,” she shared. “This project garnered recognition at the 2022 CHHS Research Day, reflecting the tangible impact of our work.”
Beyond campus
As Marrufo begins to close out her chapter at CSU, she looks back fondly at the opportunities she had and the people she met.
“Each opportunity enriched my overall experience at CSU,” she said. “The campus, though initially intimidating, grew on me, and I came to genuinely appreciate its beauty. Additionally, I will miss the community, which comprises many motivated individuals with a shared passion for change and growth in their respective fields—something that consistently kept me motivated.”
As for her plans after graduation, Marrufo said that she will continue to care for her mom whose treatment is nearing its conclusion.
In addition, Marrufo looks forward to continuing her professional journey with a local custom home building company.
“My vision is to shape homes that foster individuals’ growth in both health and overall well-being,” she shared. “I also aim to actively contribute to research within the design industry, further fueling innovation and positive impact.”
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
