These students' innovation and socially conscious approach to their respective field stood out amongst many talented applicants. These scholarships, launched in partnership with Blackbuillion (UK) and Bold.org (USA), are part of our UF Cares initiative to support the next generation of designers who prioritize environmental and social sustainability in their work.
When asked about her inspiration, Shivani shared, "I find inspiration everywhere – from my grandma hanging clothes on the laundry line to my sister transforming her small London flat with mood lighting. My Indian heritage has also deeply influenced my work, teaching me the importance of family, resilience, and boldness. My design tutors often advise against using bright colours, but I embrace them, reflecting the vivid and passionate nature of my culture.
A Commitment to Sustainable Architecture
Shivani's dedication to sustainability is evident in her approach to architectural design. She believes that creating sustainable solutions is not just about alleviating environmental stress, but also about fostering diverse communities that can adapt to societal changes. Her goal is to design spaces that not only address current challenges, but are also resilient enough to withstand future social and economic shifts.
One of the project that impressed the scholarship panel was Shivani's "Learn form the Past, Adapt for the Future," which focused on intergenerational co-living spaces. This project aimed to promote sustainable living by retrofitting existing homes to accommodate multi-generational families. Shivani's personal experiences with multi-generational living inspired her to explore how architecture can enhance communal care and collaboration while addressing the inevitable challenges of such arrangements.
Looking Ahead
Shivani's future is bright, with plans to use her skills as an architect to create inclusive and sustainable spaces that celebrate diversity. Whether she establishes her own architectural studio or pursues another design career path, Shivani is committed to using architecture as a tool for positive change.
"The Ultrafabrics Sustainable Design Scholarship brings my ambitions closer to reality," Shivani said. "It allows me to continue learning and advocating for architecture that promotes social justice, sustainable development, and benefits all. I am extremely grateful for this scholarship and motivated to use it towards making the world a better place."
Tinashe is a freshman studying bioengineering at the University of South Florida. She enjoys reading, learning, crocheting, animals, and art and believes that we can make the world so much better with stronger infrastructure, community, and innovation. Her passion for sustainability and creativity led her to pursue a career in science.
The Unexpected Catalyst for Her Journey?
Crochet.
"I got a crochet kit from my older sister just before junior year of high school, and it just sort of snowballed from there." That interest in fiber arts sparked a deep dive into issues facing the fashion industry, leading Tinashe to synthetic biology and a newfound career plan in bioengineering.
From Crochet to Bioengineering
When it came time to create a project for her portfolio, Tinashe turned to science to solve a personal dilemma: how could she make her own sustainable yarn without access to farmland or sheep? The answer, she discovered, was bacterial cellulose.
"I started by coming up with a bunch of random ideas, like bacteria that could break down plastic and create natural fibers." While many of the ideas were impractical, she eventually found bacterial cellulose as a promising option. After connecting with synthetic biologists and conducting initial research, Tinashe focused on a project testing whether bacterial cellulose could grow on waste cooking oil.
The result was an innovative experiment that explored how a common waste product - cooking oil - could be repurposed to create sustainable fibers, offering potential solutions for both textile production and waste management.
Looking Forward: A Future in Bioengineering
As Tinashe embarks on her academic journey studying chemistry with a focus on biochemistry and biotechnology, she's already looking to the future. "I hope to pursue a graduate degree in molecular biology or biological engineering," she shares. Her long term goal is to conduct independent research on bacterial cellulose and eventually turn it into a functioning woven textile.
Beyond textiles, Tinashe's open to exploring other avenues of sustainability, including plastics and packaging. "There are so many possibilities for sustainable materials, and I want to be part of that change."