Giovanna Danies | Bio-Designing the Future

Bio-Designing the Future: Reimagining STEAM Education in Schools and Universities

BioDiseñando el Futuro: Reimaginando la Educación STEAM en Escuelas y Universidades

生物设计改变未来：重构高等院校的STEAM教育

In the November’s Engage with Ideas talk Giovanna Danies will present an innovative pedagogical approach that reimagines STEAM education by integrating nature-inspired design, sustainability, and emerging biotechnologies. She has developed it in response to pressing environmental and social challenges, it invites educators and learners to slow down, reconnect with nature, and critically rethink our material systems.

Giovanna introduces two complementary educational pathways within this framework:

1. General Exploration – An accessible, hands-on approach to science and sustainability that fosters curiosity, creativity, and systems thinking in young learners.
2. Challenge-Based Learning – A deeper, project-based model where students co-create real-world bio-design solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using tools such as design thinking, speculative futures, and bio-fabrication.

She has developed this approach with an aim for studnets to cultivates essential competencies in ethical innovation, collaboration, communication, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, empowering students to design regenerative and inclusive futures.

Giovanna Danies is the mother of Ernesto, Antonio, and Elisa. She has built a distinguished career in science, education, and interdisciplinary innovation.
She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University, a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, and a dual undergraduate degree in Biology and Microbiology from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. She is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Design at Universidad de los Andes, where she leads initiatives that integrate design with biological sciences and technology. https://www.biodesignchallenge.org/universidad-de-los-andes
Her research focuses on biodesign as a platform for addressing scientific and social challenges through a collaborative and interdisciplinary lens. She has mentored multiple award-winning projects in the Biodesign Challenge. In 2019, she was recognized with the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Award in Colombia.
She also leads the research group Atarraya Uniandes, which aims to strengthen STEM education at the school level through wonder and active learning methodologies. In addition, she is the co-founder of three biotechnology-based startups: NanoFreeze, a patented cold chain refrigeration technology; E.biodye, focused on natural dyes; and Woocoa, a sustainable biomaterial.

References

Turano, G. D., Aristizabal, M. P. B., Mejía, A. P., Cañizares, A. F., & Naranjo, J. G. (2023). Biodesign for High Schools. Universidad de los Andes.

Danies G, Ojeda-Ramírez S, Obregón C, Burbano A. Biodesign and Plant Sciences: Evolving STEAM Pedagogies in Higher Education. Quantitative Plant Biology. Published online 2025:1-33. doi:10.1017/qpb.2025.10022