Viirj Kan is an interaction researcher and designer working at the intersection of materials, chemistry, and robotics. She develops interfaces that connect humans to a broad range of systems. Currently at MIT Media Lab, she researches new methods for developing programmable biopolymers. Prior to joining MIT, Viirj conducted human-robot interaction research at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and worked as a freelance design consultant. Her work has been featured on Fast Company, CNN, Vice, MIT News and the Museum of Fine Arts. She is holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and is currently completing a Master of Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.