Orange Diaper in the Big Apple - Biodesign Challenge 2018

We had the exciting honor of representing UC Davis and presenting our vision for biodegradable diapers, and a less wasteful future at the 2018 Biodesign Challenge in New York City. It was a fabulous time connecting with and being inspired by the emerging bio/design community -- and exploring the city. More information about the Challenge is found on the BDC website, a recorded livestream of our presentation is on Youtube, along with the other finalists' talks, and some of our favorite memories are shared below, enjoy! 

June 14, 2018 

After finishing up finals week as students and professors, we powered through several hours of presentation rehearsal before submitting our materials to the BDC organizers. We are so grateful to have mentors like Marc and Christina who not only give us detailed pointers and feedback on our public speaking and slide designs, but also share a healthy appreciation for late night In N' Out! 

June 18, 2018

recharging after our cross country flight at Battery Park where we spotted and plopped down in the Fleurt chairs, a clever design example featured in UC Davis Professor Housefield's Introduction to Design class. 

June 19, 2018

Armed with our poster, bacterial cellulose sheets, display cases, aerogel samples, and teddy bear diaper model/mascot we trekked to Parson's...

...set up our interactive display showcasing our design process and concept

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...and explored in the city that afternoon and evening! 

 (Cue the Alicia Keys)

June 20, 2018 

XOXO ;)

June 20, 2018 

One of many, many presentation run-throughs, featuring makeshift air freshener and lint roller microphones

June 21, 2018 - Summit Day 1

Looking snazzy and feeling excited on the subway to Parsons for Summit Day 1: team presentations during the day, gallery showcase of projects the judges and public in the evening.

June 22, 2018 - Summit Day 2

We are so grateful for this opportunity to explore this exciting topic and were honored to be named Finalists and to be ultimately awarded Overall Runner Up and Outstanding Science! 

...and we can never thank our mentors enough :) 

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Here we are with the Overall Grand Prize from Canada! They proposed personal, compostable mushroom mycelium toilets, targeted for improving privacy, hygiene, and soil quality in refugee camps. (Poop teams for the win)

June 23, 2018 

Sporting some newly acquired banana tees as we flew back West and said our good-byes at the Sacramento airport, the gals of Sorbit prove that the fruit theme never stops with this team. Until next time NYC and BDC!