In 2024, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Rashika Sood, a PhD researcher at the Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at Macquarie University, during her successful application for the Creatives in Residence program. The initiative connects scientists with creative practitioners to translate complex research into tangible, public-facing outcomes.
Rashika specialises in yeast molecular genetics and biotechnology — a highly technical field focused on cellular systems and synthetic biology. The challenge of the residency proposal was not just scientific credibility, but communication. How do you make microscopic biological systems visible, engaging, and accessible?
My contribution centred on translating abstract molecular concepts into physical form. As Head of New Product Development at BioPak, I brought a product development mindset into the collaboration — bridging research, materiality, and fabrication. Together, we developed a concept that transformed yeast structures and biological forms into sculptural objects that could be physically experienced. I led the design refinement and 3D printing execution of the prototype models, ensuring the geometry was optimised for fabrication while maintaining scientific integrity.
This process required more than simply printing a shape. Scientific diagrams do not automatically translate into stable, printable forms. Proportions, wall thicknesses, tolerances, and structural integrity had to be engineered so the final pieces could stand independently and withstand handling. My background in industrial design and manufacturing allowed me to adjust and iterate the digital models so they were both accurate and buildable.
The collaboration reflected a principle I strongly believe in: innovation accelerates when disciplines intersect. In packaging, I routinely translate sustainability goals into manufacturable products. In this context, I translated molecular biology into physical storytelling. The skillset is the same — understanding constraints, engineering for reality, and creating something that bridges concept and experience.
Rashika's successful appointment to the Creatives in Residence program marked an exciting milestone, and I am proud to have contributed to the tangible realisation of the concept that supported her vision.