Ugo Eluchie
Ugochukwu “Ugo” Eluchie holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Buckingham University, UK, and an MFA in Graphic Design from Iowa State University. Her creative and scholarly work explores the intersection of African art, material culture, and contemporary design innovation. Ugochukwu’s research reimagines traditional African craftsmanship through modern design processes, focusing on sustainability, storytelling, and identity in visual communication.
She has exhibited her work in academic and public settings, served on design panels, and received recognition as one of Graphic Design USA’s 2025 Students to Watch. Her thesis titled Threads of Tradition bridges digital and physical design, using materials such as wood, raffia, and beads to explore how design can preserve culture while embracing innovation.
Ugo currently serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Virginia Tech, where he teaches courses in visual communication design, intermediate graphic design, and altered interactions (an inter-multidisciplinary class).
African art and design, material culture, branding and storytelling, digital fabrication, sustainability, and design pedagogy.
- ART 1234/2984: Graphic Design for Non-majors
- ART 1614: Principles of Visual Communication Design
- ART 3565/3566: Intermediate Graphic Design I & II
- ART 3574/4505/5604: Altered Interactions
- Grad Showcase: Threads of Tradition: Exploring African Art and Design in Contemporary Fashion Through Innovation (2025)
- ISU Artist Focus Grant Exhibition (2025)
- Graphic Design USA’s 2025 Students to Watch
- Recipient of the Iowa State University artist focus grant supporting creative research and exhibition
Education
Bachelors of International Studies, Buckingham University, UK
Masters of Graphic Design, Iowa State University