Cultivating Biodesigners: Integrating Local Biology, Culture, and Place-Based Design in Education

The intersection of biology and design, termed 'biodesign', is rapidly evolving as an innovative field, drawing from local biology, culture, and community-centered practices. As educational institutions and community programs delve into biodesign, there is a growing need to formalize the frameworks encompassing the materials, participants, and environments conducive to this interdisciplinary field. This paper explores the expansion of biodesign through the lens of inclusivity, arguing for the broadening of what constitutes a biodesigner, biodesign materials, spaces, and knowledge systems. By embedding programming within communities and leveraging place-based materials and ancestral wisdom, we can foster a diverse array of voices in biodesign, enriching the discourse and application of biotechnological design. Central to our discussion is the shift in educational paradigms to prioritize place-based knowledge systems, emphasizing local biology, sustainable materials, and community-specific challenges. This approach not only nurtures a new generation of biodesigners but also responds to the increasing scarcity of traditional design materials by proposing localized biofabrication pathways. Through case studies of pilot programs in Hawai'i, a location heavily reliant on imported goods and energy yet rich in Indigenous innovation, we illustrate the potential of place-based biodesign education. Our findings suggest that biodesign education that uplifts local knowledge and materials at the center of innovation, can democratize biodesign, and engage communities historically marginalized from technological conversations. This approach not only enriches the biodesign ecosystem with a multitude of perspectives but also prepares students for active participation in the future of distributed biodesign, informed by ancestral practices and sustainable, place-based technologies.