The 2020 Savageau Award recipient Eldy S. Lázaro Vásquez‘ thesis project investigates the environmental impacts of digital fabrication (i.e. 3D printers, laser cutters). Her main research contributions include: Growable Interfaces, Bio-Fabrication, Sustainable Prototyping with Bio-based Materials, Digital Fabrication Life Cycle, and an ECO-IMPACT Calculator.

Vásquez’s research at UC Davis has focused on the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), personal fabrication and biology. She earned a Bachelor’s in Architecture and Urbanism and practiced architecture in Peru for several years before moving to the United States. Her passion for exploring technological applications in architectural design led her to discover relevant digital fabrication techniques applied in that field.

A Peruvian native, Vásquez has a strong passion for arts and design as a way of emotional expression. She is also passionate about education and effective ways to engage students in active learning and has been organizing workshops with designers, artists and elementary school students around the world on 3D printing in textiles, interactive objects and bio-based materials applications. While at UC Davis, she was an active member of the maker community and FabLat Kids program.