Nicole Weber
Nicole Weber considers herself an artful scientist, one who creates holistic ways to study history, philosophy and the social sciences in the field. Her diverse background spans visual arts, environmental biology and engineering education, with an MFA in visual arts, a PhD in environmental biology and a postdoctoral fellowship in engineering education, bringing a unique perspective to the classroom.
Weber has over 15 years of experience in higher education, teaching and mentoring students across graduate and undergraduate levels. Her research has been influential in the field of environmental education, including a comparative study of conservation education programs in Central America and the US. Her scholarly and studio work delve deeply into environmental sustainability and stewardship, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing the pressing climate issues of our time through a transdisciplinary lens.
One of Weber’s more recent notable projects involves the creation of SOS Save Our Seaweed, Maine Rockweed Forest at Risk, an animated short with the Center for Ecological Teaching and Learning in Maine, which highlights the importance of rock weed in environmental and cultural contexts. This project, which included collaboration with Indigenous actor Annawon Weeden and student animators, has been recognized at three film festivals (both national and international). In addition, she previously led a campus-wide climate justice cross-pollination initiative to foster connections among faculty, students and staff, align classroom experiences and directly address climate and social justice challenges. Weber’s inclusive pedagogical approach, commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and innovative interdisciplinary strategies align seamlessly with RISD’s values and mission.
Courses
Fall 2024 Courses
SCI 1116-01
THE LANGUAGE OF DESIGN IN NATURE: FROM FORM TO REGENERATION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Good design is key for life on this planet, moving away from destructive, colonial and extractive practices, to center natural healthy systems within our design process is again required. Through an interdisciplinary design lens of art, culture, and nature, students will observe natural phenomena and investigate potential design solutions for current environmental issues and potential future impact, considering the breadth of the natural world - from form to regeneration.
This course introduces various aspects of design in natural systems, including materiality of form, biomimicry, environmental and social systems, biophilia, life cycle analysis, regeneration, and indigenous science. Specific case studies will be considered as well as the view of how different cultures design toward their physical surroundings. As we develop a regenerative design practice, this will require us to embrace the complexity of a system’s interaction, and in taking a systems approach of the life cycle of the product in mind, we will begin to unpack the relationships of form, design, and potential impact. This course will provide a foundational understanding of nature as model, mentor, and measure of design success, with an emphasis on practical skills to inform projects designed for regenerative impact.
This course is a required prerequisite for the Future Structures Spring Studio courses and is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Group. Prior scientific knowledge is not required, but a willingness to engage in the tools, technologies and literature of scientific disciplines is. Students' research may be shared with the sponsor during the duration of the course.
SCI 1116-02
THE LANGUAGE OF DESIGN IN NATURE: FROM FORM TO REGENERATION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Good design is key for life on this planet, moving away from destructive, colonial and extractive practices, to center natural healthy systems within our design process is again required. Through an interdisciplinary design lens of art, culture, and nature, students will observe natural phenomena and investigate potential design solutions for current environmental issues and potential future impact, considering the breadth of the natural world - from form to regeneration.
This course introduces various aspects of design in natural systems, including materiality of form, biomimicry, environmental and social systems, biophilia, life cycle analysis, regeneration, and indigenous science. Specific case studies will be considered as well as the view of how different cultures design toward their physical surroundings. As we develop a regenerative design practice, this will require us to embrace the complexity of a system’s interaction, and in taking a systems approach of the life cycle of the product in mind, we will begin to unpack the relationships of form, design, and potential impact. This course will provide a foundational understanding of nature as model, mentor, and measure of design success, with an emphasis on practical skills to inform projects designed for regenerative impact.
This course is a required prerequisite for the Future Structures Spring Studio courses and is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Group. Prior scientific knowledge is not required, but a willingness to engage in the tools, technologies and literature of scientific disciplines is. Students' research may be shared with the sponsor during the duration of the course.