Capital One Expands Student Opportunities in Applied Experience Design

A $150,000 commitment from Capital One will support scholarships for students pursuing applied experience design and research at The University of Texas at Dallas. The inaugural Capital One Scholarship in Applied Experience Design and Research awarded five students $10,000 each for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the beginning of a multi-year partnership designed to expand access to one of the fastest-growing fields in technology.

The scholarships are open to undergraduates enrolled in the certificate for applied experience design and research program in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology. Created in 2023, the certificate program prepares students for careers in user experience and user interface design, fields that touch nearly every aspect of modern digital life.

“This scholarship not only lifts some of the financial weight off my shoulders, but it also inspires me to design with purpose,” said Muskaan Shariff, a junior arts, technology and emerging communications (ATEC) major in the Bass School. “It feels like Capital One believes in my potential, and that’s just so motivating.”

Shariff, who serves as the graphic design and marketing chair for the Student Union and Activities Advisory Board, has pursued projects that address cultural isolation and accessibility challenges. She said the scholarship will allow her to deepen her focus on user psychology and inclusive design methods.

For senior computer science major Rajit Goel, the award provides crucial support to continue research that hits close to home.

“Many of my relatives struggle with vision impairment, so accessibility design is personal for me,” Goel said. “Capital One’s support helps me continue that research.”

Goel has combined his computer science background with design through the Design Engineering for Marking Lab at UT Dallas, which develops tools for individuals with low vision or blindness. Looking toward the future, Goel is interested in exploring methods of applying AI to UI/UX design to create adaptable interfaces that evolve based on user behavior, preferences and accessibility needs..

Junior Christopher Tran, an ATEC student minoring in computer science, said the scholarship is a milestone in confirming his career path.

“Capital One opened my eyes to how many designers it takes to build meaningful products,” Tran said. “It’s inspiring to know there’s a place for someone like me in the field.”

A Partnership Beyond Scholarships

To provide additional support to Capital One Scholars and prepare them for professional careers, Capital One employees contribute their time and expertise to mentor UT Dallas students. Each of the five inaugural Capital One Scholars was paired with a mentor from Capital One’s financial services design team, which works at the intersection of financial services and user-centered innovation. Mentors provide insights into real-world design challenges and offer advice on building careers in applied experience design.

“Mentors are instrumental for academic success and career development of diverse talent,” said Briana Shaver, senior manager design lead for financial services design at Capital One. “I have had many mentors throughout my career who have provided the guidance and support that I needed at that time — each one helping me grow in different ways. If I could help someone the way my mentors helped me in the past, that would be amazing.”

Capital One also plans to conduct master classes in applied experience design open to all UT Dallas students, and the company’s financial services design associates will serve as judges for capstone projects on campus. UT Dallas students also have opportunities to see the Capital One campus and mingle with other designers in the community.

“We are moving beyond traditional philanthropy to be an active and strategic partner for universities like UT Dallas, building a support network where students benefit from Capital One’s expertise, mentorship and resources,” said Renee Rives, managing vice principal and head of design for financial services at Capital One. “It’s a great partnership because it’s truly a mutually beneficial relationship. We get to help emerging designers while they are in school at UT Dallas and that also puts Capital One on their radar as a great place for designers to work.”

Dr. Mark McKinney, professor and head of the media arts and design program in the Bass School, emphasized the value of connecting students with industry professionals.

“They get exposure to professionals, real-world mentorship and the confidence that they’re preparing for careers where design truly impacts people’s lives,” McKinney said. “Our alumni at Capital One rave about their experience working there. For our students to have a corporation like this invest in their futures, it means the world to them.”

Two other Capital One Scholarship recipients and ATEC majors, junior Alea Nablan and senior Ariel Tamez, also pointed to the mentorship component of the program as especially impactful. Capital One employees will guide students through professional development, portfolio preparation and industry insights over the coming year.

“Being able to have a mentor and somebody that can kind of guide me toward the right path is something that I’m really looking forward to,” Nablan said.

Tamez added that networking with Capital One employees will help her prepare for graduate study and future work in UX/UI design.

“I want to go to graduate school for UX design or marketing,” Tamez said. “I love being able to connect with my mentor at Capital One to get that professional perspective.”

Celebrating the First Cohort of Capital One Scholars

In late August, the five inaugural Capital One Scholarship recipients visited Capital One’s corporate campus for a recognition rally and networking day. Students were greeted with a standing ovation, a check presentation and the opportunity to meet their mentors in person.

Both UT Dallas and Capital One leaders pointed to the program’s long-term vision. The company’s multi-year scholarship commitment ensures that many more UT Dallas students will benefit from financial support, mentorship and career preparation.

“As a large, successful design team, we are in a position to help the next generation of designers,” Rives said. “Supporting this program at UT Dallas is a great way to do this, because it is focused on how design is applied in the real world, combining theory with action and practice, and setting students up to succeed in their careers.”

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