Leah Buechley is an associate professor in the computer science department at the University of New Mexico, where she directs the Hand and Machine research group. Her work explores integrations of electronics, computing, art, craft, and design. She is a pioneer in paper and fabric-based electronics and her inventions include the LilyPad Arduino, a construction kit for sew-able electronics. Previously, she was a professor at the MIT Media Lab, where she founded and directed the High-Low Tech group. Her awards include an NSF CAREER Award and the Edith Ackerman award for Interaction Design and Children. Leah received a PhD in computer science from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a BA in physics from Skidmore College. At both institutions she also studied dance, theater, fine art, and design.

Fiona Bell is a postdoctoral researcher in the Hand and Machine Lab at the University of New Mexico, where she designs, develops, and studies biologically-based materials and technologies that promote ecological sustainability and more-than-human care. With a PhD in Creative Technology and Design from the University of Colorado Boulder (2023) and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University (2019), her research happens at the intersection of material science, biodesign, and human-computer interaction. See some of her work here.

Camila Friedman-Gerlicz, a 2022 Experimental Clay resident and a 2023 visiting researcher, received an MFA from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2018, and an MA in math from the University of Texas, Austin in 2012. She combines her love of math and ceramics by using 3-D modeling and digital fabrication tools to make sculptures and installations that visualize mathematical formulas and concepts. See more of Camila’s work here.

Alyshia Bustos is a Ph.D. student in the Computer Science Department at the University of New Mexico. Alyshia is the lead graduate student on the Interactive Mural project and is working on new technology to teach and engage diverse youth in computer science. Her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are in Computer Science which she received from UNM. When she is not working, her favorite hobbies are snowboarding and skydiving! See more of Alyshia’s work here.

Jaime Gould is a PhD student in the Computer Science Department of the University of New Mexico, and is a Research Assistant in the Hand and Machine Lab. Jaime received a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Smith College and has 6 years of experience working as a software developer for emergency management at SimTable, a tech company based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Amy Traylor is a PhD student in the Department of Language, Literacy, & Sociocultural Studies. Amy is interested in human computer interaction, computational fabrication, and computational art and design. She previously earned an MFA in Experimental Art and Technology and an MA in Art Education. Amy frequently leads professional development workshops for K-12 teachers in interdisciplinary art and computer science. While an MFA student, Amy developed and taught the course Computer Programming for Artists at UNM. In her spare time, she likes to dig in the dirt and watch her four kids play. See more of her work on her website: www.amytraylor.com.

Erin McClure is a computer science undergraduate student in the Hand and Machine Lab. Previously, she received he B.A. in Theatre from New Mexico State University. Erin grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Growing up in a science-oriented town exposed Erin to numerous STEM-related subjects, and later she discovered her interest in Computer Science. Participating in research that applies and is concerned with both computer science and art has been the highlight of her academic career;  She is excited to continue to learn, research, and create in this area of study. 

Alyssa Johnson is an undergraduate student majoring in Art Education at the University of New Mexico. She is a research assistant in the Hand and Machine Lab. Alyssa works with Alyshia Bustos on the interactive mural project, focusing on art and design. With a personal interest in creating art, Alyssa takes on the creative projects within the lab with great enthusiasm.

Nanibah “Nani” Chacon is a Dine (Navajo) and Chicana artist, most recognized as a painter and muralist. Chacon was born in Gallup, New Mexico and raised on the Navajo reservation and in New Mexico. Chacon’s public works facilitate social engagement and community-based integration, elevating her personal philosophy that art should be accessible and a meaningful catalyst for social change. Chacon works with multiple organizations and institutions, the most notable being: The National Endowment for the Arts, The Obama Foundation, Navajo Nation Museum, National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Museum of Native Contemporary Art. Her clients have included Facebook, NBC Universal, NPR, and Comedy Central. See more of her work here.

Monica Silva Lovato, a 2023 Experimental Clay resident, is a visual artist from the Pueblos of San Felipe and Santo Domingo, Monica is a fourth generation traditional potter and third generation silversmith. Her work focuses on concepts of trace; the deposits of identity, culture, and history left behind by previous generations, multi-generational knowledge and ancestral connections. She explores how generational knowledge affects each potter and influences their approach to clay. Monica has worked with the School For Advanced Research on exhibits such as Evolution in Clay: San Felipe Pueblo Artists that acknowledges the strong pottery culture in San Felipe Pueblo, and Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery a community-curated exhibition prioritizing Pueblo Indian knowledge and experience.

Jeff Suina, a 2023 Experimental Clay resident, is a multimedia artist from Cochiti Pueblo. He creates pottery in the traditional Cochiti Pueblo method. He also works with contemporary materials and digital media. He draws his inspiration from a variety of subjects: astronomy, quantum theory, fractal geometry, science fiction, architecture, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Cochiti Pueblo art and traditions. Jeff has shown his work at Santa Fe Indian Market, Native Treasures Arts Market, We Are The Seeds, and galleries in Santa Fe and the United States. See more of Jeff’s work here.

Jared Tso, a 2022 Experimental Clay resident, is a fourth generation Dine (Navajo) potter. Jared received his MFA in Ceramics from the University of New Mexico in 2021. He also has an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. This unique background has led Jared to a profound appreciation for balance and versatility. While focusing on traditional Dine pottery techniques, he hopes to challenge the existing boundaries that confine the conversation of Native ceramics in the context of the past. Native peoples have always been innovators, often using traditional techniques as technologies.See more of Jared’s work here.