My name is Emma van der Leest, biodesigner and researcher within the Willem de Kooning Academy. After receiving my bachelors diploma at WdKA I started BlueCity Lab, based in the former Tropicana swimming pool in Rotterdam. Creating a place where creativity, science and entrepreneurship thrive. My goal is to lower the threshold for anyone interested in working with micro-organisms and waste streams in the development of new materials and circular practices. 

In my research I focus on the development of a biolab as part of the Living Stations research group. The Biolab is a new facility where students learn about biophilic and regenerative design and get acquainted with a range of organisms like fungal mycelium, algae and bacteria. The lab facilitates knowledge, machines, materials and expertise to translate the global complex issues into tangible (educational) challenges and outputs.