After graduating from Rutgers University with a BS in Computer Science, Gene co-founded Element 8 Designs, a design firm based in New Jersey. For the next two years, he learned firsthand the ins and outs of handling clients from both an entrepreneur’s and a designer’s point of view. Two years later, Gene left Element 8 Designs to pursue a web design position at Penton Media, where he sought to work in a more corporate environment under a creative director. At Penton, he helped push the envelope on design and user experience in the B2B industry. Three years later, Gene is making the switch yet again from full-time cubicle dweller to full-time studio resident at SVA as a MFA student in Interaction Design.

During his free time, Gene enjoys writing about improving design around the city and moonlighting as a photographer at genelu.com. He’s also a big fan of Rock Band (xBox360), karaoke, exploring NYC, anime, doodling on whiteboards, and coffee.