Professional Role and Academic Affiliation
Joshua Coffie is a PhD student at the ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated specifically with the Laboratory for Emergent Nanomaterials. His doctoral work focuses on developing and researching emergent nanomaterials and microbial interfaces, integrating aspects of bio-digital systems and human-computer interaction (HCI). He is actively involved in interdisciplinary research that explores biomaterials, the human microbiome, and novel temporalities in multispecies systems.
Educational Background and Credentials
- Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
- Holds a Master’s degree from CU Boulder’s ATLAS Institute, with an emphasis on creative technology and design.
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Creative Technology and Design with a research focus incorporating nanotechnology and living interfaces.
Research Contributions and Publications
Joshua Coffie has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications reflecting his expertise in emergent nanomaterials, interactive biomaterials, and multispecies temporalities, including:
- Bio-Digital Calendar: Attuning to Nonhuman Temporalities for Multispecies Understanding (2024) — explores time engagement with nonhuman organisms via bio-digital systems for enhanced understanding across species.
- µMe: Exploring the Human Microbiome as an Intimate Material for Living Interfaces (2023) — investigates the microbiome as a material for interactive, living technologies.
- Contributions to workshops and conferences such as the Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS '23) and publications in ACM venues focused on integrating biomaterials with interactive technologies.
His work intersects human-computer interaction (HCI), bioinformatics, deep learning, and material science, indicating a highly interdisciplinary research portfolio.
Research Collaborations and Lab Environment
- Works closely with faculty and PhD peers, including collaborations with researchers like Fiona Bell, Mirela Alistar, and Michelle Ramsahoye at the ATLAS Institute.
- Co-leads and mentors undergraduate researchers in the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA) Program, demonstrating leadership and involvement in training emerging talent.
- Plays a collaborative role in projects within the Laboratory for Emergent Nanomaterials and the Living Matter Lab, which focuses on alternative perspectives of temporality and living systems, e.g., studying kombucha SCOBY as a living material.
Professional Activities and Leadership
- Organizer and community facilitator within the Emergent Nanomaterials research group, credited with coordinating social and team-building events such as the Bruns Group Ice Skating event.
- Engages in interdisciplinary committees such as doctoral preliminary exams within CU Boulder.
- Active participant in ongoing research initiatives supported by CU Boulder since August 2023.
Scholarly Impact and Recognition
- His Google Scholar profile indicates 70+ citations, emphasizing influence in areas related to human health, nanoparticles, and embedded interaction.
- Recognized as a key contributor within multiple landmark projects at CU Boulder’s ATLAS Institute, highlighting both academic rigor and innovation.
- Named in institutional documents reflecting outstanding contributions to university research programs.
Areas of Expertise Relevant to Applied Science and Technology
- Experimental and theoretical research on implantable ultraviolet photoprotectants through nano-encapsulation techniques.
- Development of bio-actuated textiles and biodegradable materials, indicating a commitment to sustainability and applied biomaterials.
- Integration of bioinformatics, deep learning, and computer science in the study of microbiomes and living interfaces.
- Combining cybernetic human advancement concepts with emergent nanomaterial research.
Overall, Joshua Coffie represents a highly qualified, interdisciplinary researcher situated at the intersection of nanomaterials, bio-digital interaction, and living systems. His background at West Point coupled with advanced degrees from CU Boulder suggests a disciplined approach to innovation within creative technology and design paradigms. His leadership in mentoring and engagement with collaborative research labs further reflects his potential for driving complex projects involving nanotechnologies and multispecies interfaces. This detailed profile highlights his capacity to contribute to cutting-edge research in emergent materials and interactive biotechnologies.
