Bonderman Travel Fellowship

Kat Lew

Industrial Design

Undergraduate

2026 Fellows

Hometown: Bothell, WA

Travel Locations: Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Argentina, Chile, Peru

Having spent most of her life on the West Coast, Kat is excited to experience cultures that are unfamiliar to her. Much of the community Kat has found in her life has come through play—through online gaming, board game clubs, and mahjong groups. While play can sometimes be seen as frivolous or trivial, it has been an important aspect of Kat’s life, shaping how she connects with others and fuels her creativity. Through this journey, she looks to explore how people in different cultures gather, play, and build community. As a designer, Kat is also curious to discover how people interact with public spaces, have fun with one another, and experience daily life in ways that differ from her own.