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Fiona is an interdisciplinary engineer, researching sustainable biomaterials. As a member of Mirela Alistar’s Living Matter Lab, Fiona's research happens at the intersection of material science, biology, and design. Receiving a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Santa Clara University in 2019, she uses her technical background as a foundation to support her current creative work. As a PhD candidate, she hopes to create beautiful, functional, and sustainable products that bring value and joy to people.

 

Fiona Bell is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Computer Science at the University of New Mexico. With a PhD in Creative Technology and Design from the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University, her research intersects the fields of human-computer interaction, material science, and biodesign. Drawing on these disciplines, she is at the forefront of the emerging field of Biological-Human-Computer Interaction (Bio-HCI), where she develops novel biomaterials (e.g., biobased and biodegradable materials) that integrate with digital technologies to create sustainable and responsive bio-digital interfaces. By bridging the biological and digital worlds, she strives to build regenerative futures for planetary flourishing. Fiona has published work at top human-computer interaction venues, such as ACM CHI and DIS, receiving 2 Best Pictorial Awards and 2 Best Paper Honorable Mention Awards. She further disseminates her research through art exhibitions and community workshops. As a 2024 Rising Star in EECS, her research has thrived through collaborations with other universities, as well as industry partners. She is an active member of the Association of Computing Machinery and the Biodesign Challenge, where she helps promote sustainability in the development of new technologies. She is currently on the 2024–2025 academic job market.