She earned a BFA in communication design from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1991 and an MFA in graphic design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1995. Seeking a balance between research and pedagogy practices, she works across disciplines to embrace issues surrounding the future relevance of design. Her most recent research culminated in her role as curator and organizer of the international multidisciplinary design exhibition Substance: Diverse Practices from the Periphery, scheduled for fall 2007. Abendroth’s professional practice focuses on promoting projects for culture and collaboration through her firm Culture/Language/Dialogue. Sean Adams, AdamsMorioka