- MAS Affiliated Research Assistants
Nicole Bakker is a research assistant supervised by Kevin Esvelt (Sculpting Evolution group), and co-advised by Elsa A. Olivetti and Christine Ortiz at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE).
Her current research is at the intersection of renewable energy and materials: aiming to achieve a circular economy for discarded solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. This project involves quantitative modeling through Material Flow Analysis (MFA), experimental analysis of discarded PV panels through various imaging techniques, and data visualizations of impact assessments.
Nicole holds an undergraduate degree in structural engineering (with honors) and graduated from the Master in Design Engineering at Harvard University in 2018. She combines biology, design, and science to foster a transition towards more sustainable, circular (bio)materials.
As part of the Community Biotechnology Initiative, she co-organized the Global Community Bio Summit.
In 2013, Nicole published a book, titled Photovoltaics in Historical Built Environments—Interactive Design Manual.