home

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 an Assistant Professor of Human-Centered Computing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, directing the Entangled Ecologies Lab. With a Postdoctoral fellowship in Computer Science from the University of New Mexico, 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 human-computer interaction, materials 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 and further disseminates her research through art exhibitions and community workshops.