Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Minna Trokel

Testing Invasive Eucalyptus for Applications in Fungal Biocomposites

This project aims to develop durable, water-repellent mycelium bricks with structural integrity suitable for architectural use. By repurposing invasive eucalyptus as a primary substrate, this work also explores the potential for ecological co-benefits such as carbon sequestration and landscape restoration. Ultimately, the study seeks to advance sustainable material innovation through circular bio-based systems that integrate ecological stewardship with regenerative design. This summer, I will be furthering this project by gathering data on both the growth and structural testing performance of the fungal biocomposites.

Message To Sponsor

Thank you for your support of this research opportunity! Your generous sponsorship will allow me to further the process in establishing a body of knowledge on fungal biocomposites. As a student studying environmental design, pushing the boundaries of sustainable building material is a highly exciting opportunity, made especially important by the opportunity to engage in circular systems and regenerative design. My participation in this research project has given me hands-on opportunities to engage with design theory, and concretized my ideas around sustainable building materials, for which I am profoundly grateful.