Meet Our Teams
Discover our research and creativity!
Yunnan Arts University-
Environmental Design Students
These students conducted field research to study the site, talk with villagers, and share knowledge with Yunnan's mushroom farmers. They designed all of the architectural renderings, including the site plan, floor plans, and exterior and interior finishes for all of the buildings at Mykos.
UC Davis Biodesign
The Furniture/Leather Team
This team cultivated mycelium leather to pair with mycelium foam composites in the production of functional and aesthetic design objects. Their work explores the potential of bio-based materials in everyday applications, including designing a lamp and rebuilding a chair with a mycelium foam seat, mycelium leather seat cover, and biowelded patterned seat back. The goal is to demonstrate the versatility and sustainability of mycelium in product design in order to inspire Yunnan's artisans to explore these new materials.
The Sealants Team
This team is working to improve the water resistance of mycelium-based composites using natural, plant-based sealants. The project involves testing two specific coatings: an oil-wax blend featuring a hydrophobic nanostructure formed via salt templating, and a sealant derived from agave wax. Both will be tested on substrates with different compression levels using ASTM protocols to measure water resistance and durability.
The Color/Dyes Team
The Coloring Mycelium Team will be exploring natural methods of adding color and texture to mycelium materials. They aim to extract organic dyes from sources like beets and mushrooms, introduce color through bacteria and substrate infusion, and test traditional textile dyeing methods on mycelium leather. Additionally, they will experiment with surface finishes such as wool flocking, sand, and soil textures to enhance the aesthetic appeal of mycelium bricks and leather.
The Acoustics Team
Kavya Shankar is testing mycelium’s porous nature and biodegradability for developing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional sound-absorbing foam. She is developing prototypes of mycelium-based acoustic panels designed to compete with existing commercial products. She also became our trained brick presser at the UCD Engineering Student Design Center, as she was the only engineering student in our class.
The Mushroom Substrate Team
This team experimented with combining different mushroom species in the development of mycelium bricks intended for construction use. The team is trying to analyze the microscopic structure of compressed bricks to gain a deeper understanding of the changes that occur during compression. Additionally, they are exploring the integration of mycelial composites with Streptomyces bacteria for potential functional enhancements.
The Digital Design Team
This team developed this website, our promotional video, and Mykos cohesive brand identity to communicate the mission and vision of the overall project. This included developing visual assets, typography, and layout systems that reflect the project's sustainable values and cultural context. The goal is to create an engaging, interactive, and accessible digital presence that unifies the work of all teams.
The Leadership Team
This project is supported by a network of professors, professional collaborators, volunteers, and partner organizations whose guidance, expertise, and generosity have been essential throughout. Their contributions span research, mentorship, and industry insight—ensuring the project remains grounded in innovation, integrity, and impact.
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