Aura Moreno

Aura Moreno Photo

Aura Moreno is a first-generation college student at Eastern Washington University, pursuing a major in Visual Communication Design (VCD) with minors in Japanese and Spanish. Their academic journey is fueled by an eagerness for using VCD to advocate for social justice, aiming to discover how design can drive foundational societal changes. This passion extends into exploring the application of AI across various sectors, demonstrating a keen interest in the interplay between technology, design, and social impact. While their military background as an Intelligence Analyst has honed their analytical skills, Aura is currently focused on securing a summer internship that aligns with their ambitions, seeking opportunities to blend their knowledge of VCD with practical experiences in social advocacy and AI research. Aura’s research was presented August 15, 2024 at the McNair Summer Research Symposium.

Away from their academic and professional endeavors, they enjoy the therapeutic benefits of photography, capturing the intricate beauty of moss, and engage in the tender care of their plants and cats. These personal hobbies offer a grounding balance, enriching their creative and intellectual pursuits. With a vision that bridges the gap between technology and design, Aura is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of social justice, utilizing their unique blend of skills and interests to foster meaningful societal advancement.


2024 EWU Faculty Research Mentor: Dr. Tracey McHenry

Research Title:Visual Communication Design (VCD) & Semiotics


EWU McNair Scholar Aura Moreno Completes McNair Summer Research Internship

Congratulations to EWU McNair Scholar Aura Moreno for completing their McNair Summer Research Internship! They worked with mentor Dr. Tracey McHenry on their summer 2024 research, “Visual Communication Design (VCD) & Semiotics“. Aura’s research was presented August 15, 2024 at the McNair Summer Research Symposium. Aura’s academic journey is fueled by an eagerness for using VCD to … Read more

Another Great Summer of Research at McNair!

The Eastern Washington University (EWU) McNair Scholars Program is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2024 Summer Research Internship. This year 11 participants engaged in a diverse range of research topics, from the experiences of women of color in math courses at EWU and censorship of radio around issues of sexuality in the … Read more
Congrats to Aura Moreno

Aura Moreno Selected as an EWU McNair Scholar and Awarded Summer Research Internship

Congratulations to new McNair Scholar Aura Moreno! Aura was selected by the McNair Scholars’ selection committee on the basis of their passion for research, commitment to attaining a PhD, and overall potential for success in graduate school. The federally-funded TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program at EWU selects motivated and talented juniors and seniors … Read more