I'm a junior in Industrial Design at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), with a concentration in Nature, Culture, and Sustainability Studies (NCSS). My work explores the intersection of materials, technology, and regenerative design, with a focus on creating products and experiences that are both functional and ecologically thoughtful.

Through my NCSS studies, I engage with environmental humanities and sciences, considering sustainability beyond materials to include cultural and ecological narratives. In TERRA , I developed a fully biodegradable shoe that is made from biomaterials and recycled elements . This work reflects my broader interest in integrating natural processes into design and exploring how materials, histories, and ecological relationships shape the way we create.

Hands-on fabrication is a core part of my process. Whether working with wood, metal, or biocomposites, I refine form through physical prototyping — metal working, steam-bending, or sculpting materials to better understand their potential. My ALUMINUM project, for example, explores modularity through 16-gauge aluminum pyramids embedded with magnets, creating interactive, sculptural forms. This tactile approach allows me to push material boundaries and experiment beyond digital modeling.

I aim to create meaningful products and installations that demonstrate how design can harmonize with natural systems. My goal is to develop work that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design, offering solutions that are not only functional and beautiful but also contribute to a more responsible relationship between design and the environment.

Feel free to reach out at slakhani@risd.edu — I’d love to connect!