Scents of Us

I’m a researcher, designer, and artist based in New York. I’m curious of understanding and creating human experiences, especially on those that connect us across space and time. My work explores different mediums across disciplines, often inspired by research in the history and biology. By experimenting with various technologies to add a touch of magic to experiences, I aim to invite people to see the familiar in unexpected ways.

Food is a special area of interest of mine. It is an anchor point for exploring cultural connections and investigating how perspectives have been shaped. Previously, I’ve spent my time researching how recipes traveled and adapted between East and Central Asia from the 7th to 13th Century CE, including funded research in field.

Currently, I’m pursuing an MPS (Master in Professional Studies) at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunication Program (ITP). I hold an MA in history from Columbia University and a BA in Liberal Arts from NYU. My projects have appeared at NYU Maker Space, Museum of Food and Drinks (MOFAD), Long Island Maker Fair, and NYC Media Lab.

Scents of Us

Overview

Scents of Us is a multi-sensory exploration of a realm where scent are rendered visible and audible. It delves into the often-overlooked yet profound world of scent and its influence on our perception.

Participants interact with four custom-built diffusers, each releasing a different single-compound odor molecules. These scents, found both in individual human scent profiles and in nature, were chosen to emphasize the oneness of humans and the natural world. The diffusers, although analog looking, act as a input sensor. With corresponding audio cues, participants observe how their own scents, others' scents, and those from the diffusers visually mingle and blend on an LED screen, revealing how scents subtly shape our surroundings and interactions.

This project was selected for the 2024 NYC Media Lab x Chanel Virtual Synesthesia Challenge and received the Innovation Award as the top project.