Ahmed R. Sagarwala
Assistant Professor
Contact Information
- Office:
- Phone: 805-756-
- Email: ahsagarw@calpoly.edu
Education
- M.D.M., Digital Media, Ryerson University (2015)
- B.Tech., Graphic Communications Management, Ryerson University (2008)
Courses
- GrC 339 - Web Design and Production
- GrC 402 - Digital Printing and Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication
Teaching and Research Interests
- Web Technologies and Development
- Variable Data Printing
- User-Experience Design
- Automation
- Information and Communications Technologies
- Interactivity and Networked Devices
- LEAN methodology
Biography
Ahmed (Am) Sagarwala is an Assistant Professor of Digital Technologies and Management. As an educator, he emphasizes the importance of positive contributions and citizenship within a globally networked society. Highly technical and hands-on, his classes blend entrepreneurship, open-source approaches, design, and technology to help students learn effectively.
Prior to joining the Cal Poly team, he was the Digital Experience Manager at the Future Skills Centre in Toronto, Canada. As an experience designer, he focused on improving online engagement and reaching underserved and under-represented communities across Canada. The role involved a blend of creative direction, brand management, web development, data management, and communicating with consortium partners.
After completing his undergraduate degree at Ryerson University in 2008, he worked at Harmony Printing Limited (now Mi5 Print) where he designed and administered web-to-print systems, developed variable data printing workflows, and created cross-media campaigns. His focus on interoperability and cross-department workflows provided the opportunity to work with diverse teams and create mutually beneficial processes. His initiatives reduced print waste by over 80%, increased profitability by 400%, and reduced turnaround times from 2 weeks to 2 hours.
In 2010, he was asked if he would like to teach at Ryerson and loved the experience. It motivated him to complete a master’s degree and continue to work in academia. For over ten years, he has taught courses on digital literacy, graphic design, web development, marketing, communications, and entrepreneurship. He transitioned to Manager of Industry Relations for the Master of Digital Media (MDM) program. During this 2-year period, he was involved in the daily conduct of the MDM; overseeing equipment procurement, marketing, graduate supervision, curriculum, scholarships, event coordination, and admissions.
In his downtime, Am enjoys jumping in a canoe and paddling around national parks for a week or two. He also makes time for soccer, hiking, cycling, hacking together electronics, and spending time with his family.