headshot of merlin with stickers surrounding the images

Merlin Susana Enriquez

[computational art + hci + design] @ carnegie mellon university

I am a creative technologist, fabricator and researcher working at the intersection of art & technology. My practice centers on making playful tech, holding people's data with care, and creating accessible spaces for communities to learn art/tech :)


Through these intersections, I am able to connect everything into one narrative. I am playful, whimsical and bring necessary topics into discussion. There has to be a balance of enjoying life and combating the system that restricts that enjoyment. In a time where freedom of speech is restricted, I hope my work can be both the healer and attacker in our current political system.


Outside of my 'creative tech' + research work, I am a lifestyle lolita who is also a fashion designer/toy-maker (making life-size plushies)! I help run a wearable art show called Haute Glue, where I teach fashion design, soft sculpture skills and sewing to people :) In hopes for them to utilize those skills and make a funky, weird 'wearable art' or fashion line :D


I am also building a third space, called [untitled]--- for folks who have a hard time categorizing what they exactly 'do'. I love hosting fun, silly events and building safe systems for my community ❤



> always open to chat ❤


Publications

  • ⤿ dreamscape @ lemon publication S26

  • ⤿ Dehumanization of Datasets

  • ⤿ First-Gen Guide to dealing with guilt @ Carnegie Library (permanent collection)

Galleries/Showcases

  • ⤿ Dematerialize @ Studio of Creative Inquiry. 2025.

  • ⤿ Disconnected Lovers @ Oakland Review. 2024.

  • ⤿ Disconnted Lovers @ Frame Gallery. 2024.

  • ⤿ Disconnect Lovers @ Wick Monet. 2024.

Awards/Honors

  • ⤿ Samuel Rosenberg Junior Award, Issued by Carnegie Mellon School of Art. 2026.

  • ⤿ Honorable Mention: Henry Armero Memorial Award for Inclusive Creativity, Issued by BXA Intercollege Degree Program. 2026.

  • ⤿ Frank Ratchye Further Fund Recipient, Issued by The Frank Ratchye Studio. 2025

  • ⤿ Dean's List, Issued by Carnegie Mellon University. 2023 + 2024.