Article | Global Studies Program Brings RISD Students to NYC Biodesign Hub

“It’s kind of like cooking,” says Industrial Design Professor Peter Yeadon as he describes the experience of creating biodegradable plastics like “coffee leather” and “biofoam” in Brooklyn’s community biolab Genspace. “There’s a lot of room for experimentation, and it’s very accessible.”

Yeadon and the 12 students who participated in his Wintersession global studies course, Biodesign NYC, had the opportunity to work directly with experts in the biomaterials field last month. “The main goal of the course,” he adds, “was being able to study bioactivity and engage experts in fields directly related to what the students are studying [in a city where they might find future opportunities].”