Our Alumni | Parker Genau

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Parker Genau, B.F.A. in Human-Centered Design

Current Role

Industrial Designer at Byrne Electrical Specialists

Job Responsibilities

Parker's responsibilities include sketching, prototyping, 3D design, design management, cross functional collaboration, leading innovation sessions, platform innovation, and design thinking practices. He manages all things from concept to product launch.

Experience Working at Invent@NMU

Position Working at Invent@NMU

Human-Centered Designer

Memorable Experiences

One of Parker’s most memorable experiences at Invent@NMU was the opportunity to meet and learn from Joe Thiel. Witnessing Joe’s early ventures and his ability to rapidly transform and streamline operations within the organization left a lasting impression. As a mentor, Joe played a pivotal role in shaping the student experience—fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth. For Parker, working under his leadership was both inspiring and formative, setting a high standard for what effective mentorship and visionary leadership can look like.

Invent@NMU Impact

Real-World Client Experience

During his time at Invent@NMU, Parker gained invaluable real-world experience by working directly with clients who were eager to turn their ideas into reality. Collaborating closely with these aspiring innovators, he helped transform their visions into tangible products—an experience that laid the foundation for his career as an industrial designer. Today, Parker continues to apply this client-focused mindset in his professional role, meeting with customers to understand their product and design needs, then translating those insights into creative, functional solutions. His hands-on work at Invent@NMU was instrumental in shaping his approach and remains a cornerstone of his continued success.

Advice to Current NMU Students

Parker’s advice to current students is clear: take full advantage of the resources available to you now. Reflecting on his time at Northern Michigan University, he emphasizes how valuable the labs, workshops, and campus programs truly are—resources he wishes he still had access to today. “Use this time to make things,” he says. “Build a strong, diverse portfolio that showcases your skills and commitment to the design process—it will be your most powerful tool when applying for jobs.” And above all, Parker reminds students to enjoy the journey: “College is fun—make the most of it!”

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