Reef Rocket

Reef Rocket was created to meet the need for durable, deployable marine restoration materials. Using enzymes derived from plants, it is a real-world application for next-generation materials for climate resiliency, reinforcing nature’s engineers: the oyster.

I led this design project from discovery through IP procurement and deployment with diverse clients across the globe and the design served as the foundation for a VC-backed and award winning startup, ReefCycle.

I developed the design working directly with field scientists in New York Harbor and citizen science volunteers. We went diving to monitor prototypes and waded in marsh water retrieving and monitoring reef modules. Alongside this highly physical work, I coordinated with research scientists and academic partners to develop the materials to meet the design criteria defined by field testing. We called this back and forth process, along with structural design development, “Nature Co-Design”, as we considered both human and ecological factors to inform design iterations.

Today, Reef Rocket has informed numerous product iterations that have been deployed on three continents.

Designed for Billion Oyster Project 2022 (6 months).

Team: Mary Lempres, Helio Takai PhD., Ahmed Miftah PhD., Jennifer Zhu PhD., Shannon Parker, Laura Dalton PhD.

Recognition: OpenIDEO Award, What Design Can Do, NY Climate Exchange Fellowship, Ray of Hope Prize