Associate Professor of Science and Math Theanne Schiros’ bioleather is finding broader recognition. Recently, Sourcing Journal’s 2025 Material Innovations Report featured an article about an intercollegiate project spearheaded by Schiros. The project highlights the design and development of a bespoke hat and coat, crafted from microbial nanocellulose and plant-based bioink binder. This regenerative biotextile originated in Schiros’ lab, in collaboration with Columbia University’s Helen Lu.
From start to finish, Schiros’ project highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaborative effort, bringing together science and design. The design team included bespoke tailor Ash Owens of Suited Atelier, who handcrafted the clothing, FIT Fashion faculty members Susanne Goetz and Amy Sperber, and Anne Marika Verploegh Chassé. The science team included Romare Antrobus, a post-doc researcher at Columbia, in addition to Schiros and Lu.