Genspace + Uncommon Charter School

BioAroma

Isabella Rosas-Pelayo, Yolestzka Paul, Faith Mochu, Jada Alexander

BioAroma is a bio-based fragrance designed to support hormonal health while providing scent. It challenges synthetic perfumes that may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to hormonal imbalance and reproductive issues. The system combines a vanillin-based compound intended to alleviate endometriosis symptoms with a biosensor that adjusts the fragrance profile based on changes in estrogen levels. By merging self-care, biotechnology, and sensory design, BioAroma aims to create a responsive fragrance that both monitors and supports the wearer’s hormonal well-being.

Lily Xiao is a Brooklyn-based sculptor, bioartist, and educator. Xiao crafts an interdisciplinary ecosystem combining biomaterial research, digital fabrication, installation, and olfaction. They attended the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, garnering their first solo exhibition, Faithful Rind. Xiao curated The Space Between Us at Gallery CA, a community exhibition working to decolonize abstraction. Their team at MICA, Mother Nacre, earned the overall prize at the Biodesign Challenge for their queer exploration of biomineralized nacre-like materials. Xiao has exhibited their work in galleries spanning New York and Baltimore. BmoreArt has reviewed their work in curation and sculpture. They currently serve as project lead for the Genspace Biomaterials Studio, where they host community biomaterial research and bioart workshops for all experience levels.