René Capella

HCDE PhD Student
Class of 2029

"For me, being a first generation student fills me with pride—I feel so much excitement for giving back to my community and family through mentorship."

Why did you choose to attend UW, and what drew you to HCDE specifically?

Four years ago, if you told me I’d be a graduate student at the UW studying HCDE, I would have laughed. Back then, I held a deep belief that someone like me, a college dropout out with children, would never get the opportunity to go back and finish my Bachelor’s degree let alone have the opportunity to pursue a PhD. It wasn’t just unlikely; it wasn’t possible.

Four years ago, though, I also felt trapped building software roadmaps that were increasingly excluding the clients who needed our service the most. Smaller businesses were being priced out and features were only serving higher paying clients. When my funds to visit clients for shadowing and interviewing was cut, I put in my resignation, and enrolled in my local community college. I didn’t know what I would do there, but I knew whatever happened, I’d be in a better position to advocate for my clients (turns out this meant advocate for design💙)

That winter, my partner got me two books for my birthday to get me out of my rut:,“What Tech Calls Thinking,” and “Value Sensitive Design.” I declared my intention to transfer to HCDE that winter because I wanted to be a part of a community that led change and championed inclusivity. I wanted to be human-centered. It took a year to finish my prerequisites and get accepted to the program.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you and your family?

Being a first-generation student means I am a role model for my children. They see me every day going to class. They see the joy I experience when I’m reading and I finally understand something I’d been working on for weeks. They saw me walk for graduation and cry when I learned I was accepted to the PhD program.

For me, being a first generation student fills me with pride—I feel so much excitement for giving back to my community and family through mentorship. I very recently lived a reality where college was not an opportunity I thought I was afforded—I don’t want anyone to feel this limited. I want to help.