Past Member

Viirj Kan

Former Research Assistant

Working at the intersection of materials, chemistry, and robotics, Viirj Kan develops interfaces that connect humans to a broad range of systems. At MIT Media Lab, Viirj translates molecular signals to human senses - environmental information to user experience. Utilizing organic compounds from food, she develops smart biomaterials that change color, scent and form in response to chemical stimuli. Prior to joining MIT, Viirj conducted human-robot interaction research at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and worked as a design consultant. Her work has been featured on Fast Company, CNN, Vice, MIT News and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and a Master of Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.