University of New Mexico

Earthwomb

FINALIST project

Amanda Stormyr, Izzy Gurney, Brie Boehm-White, Eric Boehm-White

Earthwomb is a green burial practice paired with a digital interface for end-of-life planning. Its Bio Pod, a water-based hydrogel burial shroud, contains mycelium, native seeds, nutrient-rich fibers, and the body itself. The website allows users to choose their final resting place, select native seeds, and pick mycelium strains to aid decomposition. This process transforms the body into a source of ecological renewal, fostering new life and restoring local ecosystems. Earthwomb offers a personalized, regenerative approach to death, allowing individuals to create a meaningful ecological legacy through their burial choices.

Shatterclips

NonfINALIST project

Jasmine Buenviaje, Lorél Medina, Courtney Curvin, Isolina Guzzo

Shatterclips are a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic claw clips, offering both style and functionality. Designed with safety in mind, these clips are made from a softer biomaterial that can shatter under extreme impact, reducing the risk of injury during everyday activities like driving. Unlike traditional clips that contribute to plastic waste and can pose hazards in accidents, Shatterclips break safely and naturally decompose over time. By combining aesthetic appeal with sustainability and impact-conscious design, Shatterclips present a thoughtful solution to both environmental concerns and everyday safety in personal accessories.

Andrea Polli is a professor with appointments in the College of Fine Arts and School of Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). She holds the Mesa Del Sol Endowed Chair of Digital Media and directs the Social Media Workgroup, a lab at the University's Center for Advanced Research Computing. As an educator, Polli has created student-centered professional development, theory, practice, and field-based courses and experiences for practicing artists, engineers, and makers.