Koch
The graphic below shows a distribution of previous projects in relation to various competencies and focuses in my work. Hover/click on any " " icons for more information.
>> Previous Projects
materials
Masters Project (2023)
I developed a novel MPCD algorithm capable of simulating phase separating multiphase fluids and the subsequent introduction of swimming bacteria. This thesis offers a novel approach to studying the fascinating but little understood behaviour of active matter phase separation via a perturbation of more well understood systems of thermodynamic phase separation. This research has implications both for fundamental physics and for understanding behaviour of the potentially high impact use of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria for oil spill remediation.
Co-weaving (2023)
Commissioned by The University of Edinburgh and the National Biofilms Innovation Centre, I developed a VR experience which explores user collaboration with simulated complex-emergent biological systems for the design of intelligent and environmentally compassionate materials.
Emergence/Immersion (2023)
In collaboration with researchers from TAPLAB at The University of Edinburgh, I exhibited a VR experience at the Edinburgh Science Festival communicating recently published research which identifies that the viscoelasticity of DNA Hydrogels changes according to the finely-tuned geometry of their constituent DNA nanostars. This experience explores how immersive experiences allow novel interaction with and understanding of complex-emergent systems.
The Symmetry and Geometry of Quaternions (2022)
I have worked on projects which explore the insight we can obtain about abstract mathematical systems and principles through mathematical and creative visualisation methods.
Microrheology of Topologically Active Polymers (2022)
During a summer research project supervised by members of TAPLAB, a biological physics lab based in the University of Edinburgh, I simulated and studied DNA solutions whose polymers are topologically altered by the action of exonuclease.
Gravitational Waves (2019)
I developed a VR experience on the theme of gravitational waves in collaboration with members (A.R. Barlow and K. Moosbrugger) from the Edinburgh Scientific Researchers Association (ESRA). This project was designed to introduce secondary school students in an immersive way to the concept of gravitational waves as ripples in four-dimensional space-time.
String Theory VR (2018)
I am curious about the relationships between abstraction, immersion, and intuition. In my first undertaking in XR, I developed a VR experience which explores these themes in the context of String Theory.
Chalk (2016)
A student play that I wrote and directed received the adjudicators’ award for most cutting-edge production, the best script writer and director, and the best overall production. This play explored conceptual and sociopolitical boundaries through physical and dialogue representations of line, culminating finally in the boundary between performer and audience being broken when ribbons were drawn from stage and through auditorium to be secured onto doors, requiring the audience to engage in taking down the boundaries between us.
Prana Business Consulting (2015)
I developed a series of promotional videos for Prana Business Consulting.
commercial
creative
theoretical
software
collaborative
materials
I am fascinated by how materials interface with the fundamental principles of reality and with the human experience. I am interested not only in the research of soft matter systems where the study of scientific principles help us understand physical materials, but also in how we are able to use models and architectures from mathematics to art for communicating and advancing our thinking.
commercial
I have had experience in applying my skills and interests in a variety of professional and commercial environments. This includes work within the fields of business consulting, tutoring, educational and immersive technologies, scientific outreach, and scientific research.
creative
I have extensive and varied experience in visual, digital, and performance art. Creativity is a central aspect of how I design, innovate, gain insight, and problem-solve in projects whether these are expressive, social, communicative, or mathematical in nature.
collaborative
My enjoyment of thorough and dedicated independent research is complemented by my desire to share ideas with, learn from, and be inspired by others in a team and in the wider community. Having had experience in directing plays, scientific research within labs, facilitation of workshops, team-based research and outreach projects, and more; I find collaboration is a rich and wonderful way to inspire new ways of thinking and to transmit ideas across communities.
software
The software skills that I have developed in both creative and scientific contexts allow me to address problems with artistic and scientific thought in combination. This includes proficiency in the programming languages C, C#, Python, among others; the Adobe suite including Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, among others; and game engines and simulators such as Unity, Blender, and LAMMPS.
theoretical
I am deeply interested by the inquiry into the fundamentals of reality found in physics, mathematics, and biology. With the training from my Masters in Mathematical Physics (MPhys); First Class, from The University of Edinburgh, I am dedicated to pursuing projects which explore and advance scientific theory.
VR Workshop Facilitation (2019)
During my employment with the EduTech company Mindset Network B.V., I helped design and facilitate a three-day workshop for users new to working in XR development.
Computer Simulations
I have experience in simulating complex physical, mathematical, and biological systems, and subsequently analysing the resulting behaviours and observables. This includes Monte-Carlo methods, agent-based modelling, cellular automata, Molecular Dynamics, Multi-Particle Collision Dynamics, and a variety of mathematical modelling techniques. This has allowed me to research systems such as DNA topology, epidemic modelling, Ising models, Lennard-Jones systems, multiphase fluids, bacteria, and more.
>> About me
Hi, I'm Kira! My area of study is Mathematical Physics (Master in Mathematical Physics, First Class, from The University of Edinburgh). I am a wholehearted, curious, and driven individual deeply interested in the inquiry into the fundamentals of reality and the human experience through the intersections of scientific theory, art, community, and environment. I have had the privilege of working in South Africa, England, The Netherlands, Scotland, and Germany. The experience of adjusting to a variety of environments and learning from diverse communities inspires me and continues to train my skill of working with various perspectives in both academic and social contexts. I believe in valuing equally the contributions across disciplines which dare to approach our deepest questions and which contribute to the development of systems and materials that are intelligent, adaptive, and environmentally compassionate. The software skills that I have developed in both creative and scientific contexts allow me to address problems with artistic and scientific thought in combination, and to design projects with a theoretical and creative basis. My enjoyment of thorough and dedicated independent research is complemented by my desire to share ideas with, learn from, and be inspired by others in a team and in the wider community. One of my favourite things is to meet with people to exchange notes and experiences of navigating the fields of scientific research, art, and sustainable innovation. If you're interested in arranging such a meeting over a "virtual coffee", or to discuss opportunities for collaboration, please get in touch via my contact details below.
>> About my work
Both the methodology and the context of my work are driven at their core by an interest in how abstract principles and ideas manifest as spatialised structures. As a methodology this refers to my fascination for how, whether through mathematical modelling or an art installation, humans have the capability for developing externalised structures and materials which act as a prosthetic to our thinking; to explain our thinking and take our thinking further. I am interested in how this allows us to employ strategies and technologies to think outside the parameters imposed on us by our physical world. The projects featured in this website are examples of applying this methodology to how we explore and express meaning in various disciplines involving both research and communication in artistic and scientific spaces.
This relationship between the material and the abstract is further reflected in the academic context of my work. My background in physics and biology is founded in my deep interest for how our spatial and temporal world emerges from abstract physical principles. By investigating these principles we can understand complex materials and behaviours and use this knowledge to shape intelligent, adaptive, and environmentally compassionate materials and systems. I look forward to continuing to develop projects which use technology to explore this connection between abstract and material for the communication or advancement of research and for the simulation and rapid prototyping of material structures. I believe this approach is well suited to studying and designing with biomaterials whose complexity and sensitivity to parameters place particular importance on the understanding both physical systems and the theory governing them.
From mathematics to art, we are able to externalise ideas and the relationships between them as spatialised structures which can then be used as a prosthetic for thinking, to communicate and advance our thinking.
Microscopic agents are governed by abstract mathematical, and biological principles to produce macroscopic materials and systems which, if properly understood, can be used for intelligent, adaptive, and environmentally compassionate applications.