Dr. Jennifer Willet
Dr. Jennifer Willet is the Director of INCUBATOR Art Lab and a Canada Research Chair in Art, Science and Ecology at the University of Windsor. In 2017, Willet was inducted into the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada. She is an innovator in the field of bioart and biodesign, merging artistic and biotech skills towards research/creation that uses living media (cells, plants, microbes) in the production of creative works.
In 2009 Willet opened the first biological art lab in Canada, called INCUBATOR: Hybrid Laboratory at the Intersection of Art, Science, and Ecology. In January 2018 INCUBATOR Art Lab launched a new custom-built BSL2 facility that is both a functional biotech laboratory and a multi-media theatre and exhibition venue. In 2020, Willet launched a parallel space INCUBATOR Art Lab Studio, an artist studio, community engagement hub and BSL1 bioart facility.
Willet has presented her projects art various venues including: The Reach Gallery Museum, Abbotsford, BC (2023), Ectopia Experimental Art Lab, Lisbon, Portugal (2023), Kapelica Gallery, Ljubljana Slovenia (2021), Ars Electronica festival, Linz (2008, 2021), University of Waterloo Art Gallery, Ontario (2019), RMIT Gallery, Melbourne, Australia (2018), WAAG Society, Amsterdam (2017), Open Space, Victoria (2016), Artcite Inc. (2014), Plug In Institute for Contemporary Art, Winnipeg (2013), the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, (2013) and Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Toronto (2013), The Banff Centre, Alberta (2011), Arnolfini Museum, Bristol UK (2010), Exit Art Gallery, New York, NY (2009), ISEA San Jose, USA (2006), Biennial Electronic Arts Perth, Perth, Australia (2004), The European Media Arts Festival, Osnabrück, Germany (2003), amongst others. She has conducted many residencies including Pratt Foundations Lab, Brooklyn, NY (2022), The Arctic Circle Norway (2014); The Banff Centre, Canada (2002,2007, 2010, 2011); and SymbioticA, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia (2004,2006).
Willet hosts world class bioart events and conferences with numerous collaborators and partners. Examples include BioARTCAMP a 2-week international artist residency and portable research station at The Banff Centre (2011), Life in the Soil (2017) conference and workshops series, Feasting the Lab (2018) a bioart cabaret, and FEMeeting: Women in Art, Science, and Technology Conference (2024) with 150+ international delegates at the University of Windsor.
Willet’s artwork is managed by IOTA Institute. For art and exhibition inquiries please contact: info@iotainstitute.com
www.iotainstitute.com
INCUBATOR art lab Team
INCUBATOR art lab has grown over the last 15 years from an artist lead studio/lab to a vibrant research community. Our team includes several students and staff from across the arts and sciences as well as 50+ cross-disciplinary undergraduate students annually. Without the contributions of these individuals, and the enlivened community we have built together, INCUBATOR Art Lab would not experience the volume and diversity of outputs we enjoy today.
We would also like to acknowledge the non-human contributors to INCUBATOR Art Lab research/creation including; the large colony of spirulina algae growing and oxygenating the lab in preparation for exhibition; the LB Agar sculptures growing microorganisms bringing a funkiness that lingers around the incubator, amongst others.
Behzad Bolandi
Bioprinting Research AssistantBehzad is a true nature enthusiast, finding inspiration in nature. He firmly believes that our connection to nature shapes everything around us and is deeply passionate about preserving it. With a heart that beats for Engineering, Science, and Art, Behzad's journey in bio art is driven by his love for multidisciplinary exploration. Now he is doing his Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry department. One of Behzad's main focuses is designing, fabricating, and characterizing disease models using 3D bioprinting technology. His background in Tissue Engineering and Material Science fuels his curiosity, while his artistic soul adds a unique flavor to his creations. He sees his work not just as a profession but as a calling to contribute positively to society, animals, and the environment.
Instagram: @behzad.bolandii
Philip Habashy
Research CoordinatorPhilip Habashy is a Research Coordinator at INCUBATOR Art Lab. He graduated with a Master of Science in Biological Sciences in April 2024, building on the Bachelor of Science degree he earned in 2018. His focus has always been on research and practical applications within the biological sciences field. With over eight years of experience in cancer research and lab management, Philip has developed expertise in several areas, including medulloblastoma characterization, zebrafish model optimization, and COVID-19 lab protocols. In his spare time, Philip enjoys drawing, producing and listening to music, and working with live event setups.
@philip_hab
Cri Kosti
BFA Student Studio and Research AssistantCri Kosti is a visual artist that has been involved in photography and film her entire life. Currently a visual arts and film student and mother of three, Cri values human connection and feels that connection and collaboration are vital for our communities to flourish.
Instagram: @criri
Drea Madore
BFA Student Studio and Research AssistantDrea is currently a fourth-year Visual Arts student at the University of Windsor. She is passionate about exploring a variety of artistic mediums, with her favourites including lino printing, pen and ink, and coloured pencil, which highlight her versatile skills. Additionally, Drea is skilled in digital art, using software such as Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to create exciting and innovative designs. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Drea is an avid reader and enjoys the unique craft of needle felting in her spare time. A fun fact about Drea: she has travelled to over 45 countries!
Follow Drea on Instagram: @electronicvampire
Domenica Medaiti
Research Assistant and CoordinatorDomenica is an interdisciplinary artist, a Sessional Instructor at the University of Windsor, and a Research Assistant at INCUBATOR Art Lab. Since 2019, Mediati has played a leadership role at the lab as a researcher, lab manager, and director of educational outreach programming. Mediati's research specializes in developing and delivering STEAM education and Bioart workshops to students and the community. Mediati holds a BFA from UWindsor (2015) and an MFA from Wayne State University (2018). Through drawing, digital animation, and bioart practices, she creates landscapes and characters that reflect and interrogate both human and non-human narratives, with a focus on microbiology to explore fear-based themes rooted in the superstitions of her Italian heritage.
www.domenicamediati.com
@dombuka
Dunia Roba
BSc student Research and Lab AssistantDunia Roba is an undergraduate Biochemistry student at the University of Windsor. She is currently a Research Assistant and Lab Monitor at INCUBATOR Art Lab and was a member of the 2021-2022 Teen Art Council at Art Windsor Essex. Dunia has a passion for photography and is a member of SMART at the University of Windsor. In her spare time, Dunia enjoys scrolling Pinterest and eating sweets.
https://vsco.co/dunia-ro/gallery
Instagram: @dunia.ro
Amal Fareed
BSc student Research and Lab AssistantAmal is a fourth-year Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Windsor. She is currently working as a research assistant and lab monitor at the INCUBATOR Art Lab. This past summer, she volunteered at the pediatric floor of Windsor Regional Hospital-Met Campus, which was a rewarding experience that taught her a lot about patient care. In her free time, Amal loves painting and playing different musical instruments. Amal is always looking for new ways to be creative and is passionate about learning new languages and exploring different cultures.
Follow Amal on Instagram: @amaldotcom
Alumni Page
Link to our INCUBATOR Art Lab Alumni page to learn more about our past team members
