Kiley Cook

Fungi naturally thrive in contaminated environments and play a crucial role in detoxifying brownfield sites through an in-situ process known as mycoremediation. This method offers a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional ex-situ approaches, such as excavation and off-site disposal. Following remediation, the fungal mycelium—the root-like structure of the fungus—can be repurposed rather than discarded, as it serves as a biodegradable substitute for traditional materials like plastic, foam, and leather. This project aims to remediate the contamination at the McCormick & Baxter Superfund Site in Portland, Oregon, while simultaneously creating a platform to explore innovations in materials science, fabrication technology, and temporal design.