Kristen Coogan is an Associate Professor of Art, and Chair of Graduate Graphic Design at Boston University. In her teaching, she introduces a critical discourse in all subject matters, believing that a synthesis between theory and practice helps students contextualize their work. Additionally, in her History of Graphic Design courses, she creates visible links between the past and the present to provide students with a template for innovation. As a practicing designer, she specializes in information graphics, editorial design, and animation. Her work has been recognized by the AIGA and Print Magazine. She received a BFA in Art + Design from North Carolina State University, an MA in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College and an MFA in Graphic Design from California Institute of the Arts.