Luis Quijano is on an extraordinary journey, blending the worlds of fashion and biotechnology into a cohesive and innovative narrative. As a PhD candidate, Luis is pioneering research that aims to revolutionize how we perceive and interact with fashion, making it not only more sustainable but also more integrated with living systems.
Luis’s daily routine is a fascinating mix of hands-on lab work, interviews, and surveys. His work spans beyond fashion and synthetic biology, touching upon pharmacology, business, and sustainability, making his research both diverse and impactful. Each day is an adventure, filled with engaging conversations with researchers and hands-on experiments that drive innovation. “This interdisciplinary blend of methods and discussions serves as the driving force behind innovation,” he shares, emphasizing the excitement and unpredictability of his work.
A common question Luis encounters is how fashion and synthetic biology are related. The answer lies in the innovative materials and processes he explores. Luis focuses on bacterial cellulose, also known as kombucha leather, as a sustainable alternative
to traditional textiles. This biomaterial is eco-friendly and opens up new possibilities for creating biofabricated textiles.
“It's about reimagining fashion not just as a wearable item but as a living, evolving entity,” he explains, “Synthetic biology allows us to redefine our relationship with clothing and the environment.”
Luis's journey began with a deep-rooted interest in fashion during his undergraduate years. His curiosity about bacterial cellulose led him to delve deeper into the scientific aspects of this material, sparking a passion for sustainability and the environmental
impact of fashion. “To truly delve into developing and modifying this unique material, a deep dive into the scientific realm became imperative,” Luis recalls.
This journey led him to the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, where he bridges the gap between scientific rigor and creative ingenuity.
Collaborating with experts from various disciplines, Luis is paving the way for groundbreaking research in fashion and biotechnology.
For Luis, a multidisciplinary approach is not just beneficial but essential for a sustainable future. By merging traditionally independent fields, Luis promotes collaboration and innovation. His diverse research background allows
him to address complex issues more effectively, although it comes with its own set of challenges. “Achieving sustainability requires the merging of fields that traditionally operate independently,”
he states. Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across disciplines is crucial for driving sustainability and innovation in fashion and biotechnology.
Looking ahead, Luis identifies several challenges in his field. Navigating the ethical and regulatory landscape is critical as researchers push the boundaries of what is possible. Scalability and the widespread adoption of synthetic biological processes in fashion production also pose significant logistical challenges. “Striking a balance between innovation, ethical considerations, and practical implementation will be pivotal in shaping the future of this interdisciplinary field,” Luis asserts.
Luis Quijano's work stands at the intersection of fashion and biotechnology, driving forward the possibilities of sustainable and innovative fashion. His interdisciplinary approach and dedication to merging scientific and creative realms are setting new
standards in the industry. As he continues his research, Luis aims to inspire others to explore the potential of synthetic biology in transforming fashion, making it a living, evolving entity that aligns with sustainable practices
and environmental consciousness.
“If I could inspire more people in the future to look more into what math is or at least enjoy their math class through my teaching, then I’ll have been successful in my eyes,” he concludes, reflecting his broader mission of education and inspiration
in the scientific community.
Brooke Travis is a PhD candidate in marine biology at Harvard, and her work is taking her to new depths - literally. She's studying the unique relationships between deep-sea organisms and...
Luis Quijano is on an extraordinary journey, blending the worlds of fashion and biotechnology into a cohesive and innovative narrative. As a PhD candidate, Luis is pioneering research that aims to revolutionize how we perceive....
Every day for Ludmila Kučíková is a new adventure in the world of computational neuroscience. "Every day is different," she says, ....
Meet Vittoria, a Tufts PhD student whose path to the world of mathematics is as colorful as a stage performance. What happens when the lights of the theatre dim and the curtain falls? For Vittoria, it was a leap from acting to..