07/07/2023
Students Erin Morris and Ashley Figueroa Rivera
by Madison Parker
Students from Jax State competed in the Biodesign Challenge in New York City on June 22-23, sharing their research as finalists at the international summit. The educational program allows high school and college students to compete, gain access to biodesign resources and network in their field.
“Biodesign is designing with the environment in mind instead of just the consumer,” said Allison McElroy, JSU art professor. “Incredible research is being done in art, design, fashion, science and engineering and our Jax State students are included in this research. In ten years, I think everyone will understand more because it will be the common design principles and elements of the 21st century.”
Students Erin Morris and Ashley Figueroa Rivera were among more than 40 teams from 15 countries represented at the event. They presented on the applications of yucca shrubs, imagining compostable clothing, accessories, braces and casts as possible uses for its fibers.
“The students were amazingly professional presenting on stage at Parson’s School of Design in New York," McElroy said. "I was a very proud professor.”
BioArt is a course at Jax State, open to students studying art, science, engineering and business. There's also a BioArt Club. To reach younger audiences, McElroy hosts BioArt workshops for local elementary, middle and high schools. For more information on JSU BioArt, visit the BioArt website, email McElroy at amcelroy@jsu.edu AND follow on Instagram at @jaxstate_bioart.
