In this episode, Catherine interviews textile chemist and bio-based materials scientist Dr. Steve McNeil and wool producer, dyer, spinner, weaver, and design activist Sara John. We discuss the value, properties, processing, and future scope of wool.

Episode 6: Wool: A re-evaluation

In this episode, Catherine interviews sustainable textiles & fashion designer, Helena Elston, and architect, researcher, and educator, Christopher Maurer. We discuss their journeys towards mycelium, their unique processes, and their views on fungal futures.

Episode 7: Multifaceted Mycelium

In this episode, Catherine interviews Dr. Natalie Alima and Dr. Esther Amstad. Dr. Alima is a multidisciplinary, Computational Designer at YEEZY. She heads BioLab Studio where she showcases her work of real time robotics, 3D printed sculptures, computational drawings, and robotic fabrication of mycelium infused with clay. Dr. Amstad is bioinspired Materials Scientist serving as Assistant Professor at EPFL. She heads the Soft Materials Lab (SMAL) at EPFL, and she has published a method for 3D-printing BactoInk, an ink containing calcium carbonate producing bacteria. With this ink, unprecedentedly strong, light, environmentally friendly bio-composites can be formed.

Episode 8: Living Materials

In this episode, Catherine interviews Dr. Jeffrey Sanders, Product Manager - Consumer Packaged Goods at Schrödinger; Lisa Craig Gautier, President and Board Secretary at Matter of Trust; and Phil McCrory, hair stylist and inventor of the oil absorbing Ottimat. We discuss the versatility and performance of hair. We discuss the progress towards better understanding it, and the benefits of leveraging it, to create better products and a cleaner world. Tune in to learn more!

Episode 9: Hair

In this episode, we discuss bioluminescence as an electronic material, as a an artist’s tool, and as a multi species phenomenon. Claudio takes us on his journey investigating the prevalence of bioluminescence in nature. He then shares his process of selecting and optimizing bioluminescent proteins for use in OLEDs. Laura takes us on a journey with light. Describing how her work with bioluminescent organisms created avenues for alternative light sources in her work.

Episode 10: Embracing Bioluminescence

Materials People is a platform for materials learning and awe. Here, we document conversations between materials practitioners across science, art, design, and engineering.

Materials People

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