# Mijn weg naar biodesign | Lieke Kaspers | TEDxDenBosch Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnDMHPG4_D0 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/hnDMHPG4_D0 Generated: 2026-03-03T17:32:51.883+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Lieke Kaspers shares her journey into biodesign, detailing how her early curiosity about what she wanted to be evolved into a passionate pursuit of using mycelium, a fungal network, as a sustainable, living material for design, moving past initial confusion and fear to actively developing bio-based materials. **Key Points:** - Kaspers initially struggled with the question of what she wanted to be, considering princess, cook, or veterinarian. - Her path shifted when she became fascinated by mycelium, the underground fungal network that connects nature and design. - She attended workshops, including one on bio-based materials, which solidified her interest in exploring living materials. - A pivotal moment occurred when she realized the potential of growing materials like mycelium on substrates like banana peels, which she later applied to her graduation project. - Her project involved growing mycelium on an agar-agar substrate and then growing it further on banana peels for a better texture, which was a significant learning experience. - The speaker emphasizes that the real excitement came from realizing that nature and design can work together, opening new doors for her career. - She concludes that having passion and curiosity, even without knowing the exact answer, leads to unexpected opportunities and growth. ![Screenshot at 00:05: A close-up on the projection screen shows samples of bio-designed materials, likely derived from mycelium, displayed next to a petri dish containing white fungal growth, illustrating the tangible results of her research.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/hnDMHPG4_D0/00-00-05.jpg) **Context:** Lieke Kaspers delivers a TEDx talk at TEDxDenBosch about her personal journey and discovery of bio-design, specifically focusing on the potential of mycelium (the underground root network of fungi) as a sustainable material. The presentation traces her transition from childhood career uncertainty to finding a true passion in material science and design that works in harmony with nature. ## Detailed Analysis Lieke Kaspers opens her talk by reflecting on the common childhood question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"—a question she often heard, whether it was princess, cook, or veterinarian. She admits that as a child, she always felt compelled to have an answer, but grew to realize the difficulty of committing to a single path when one does not yet know what they truly want to be. This uncertainty led her to explore various fields, including attending open days for everything from culinary arts to technology. The turning point arrived when she discovered the field of bio-design, particularly through an open day workshop focusing on bio-based materials. She became captivated by mycelium, the thread-like root network of fungi, recognizing its potential to connect nature and design. This led her to actively research and experiment, starting with growing mycelium on agar-agar and later successfully cultivating it on banana peels to achieve a desirable texture, which she used for her graduation project. This experience, driven by curiosity rather than a pre-defined goal, opened new doors, including being invited for a podcast interview and receiving an offer for a follow-up project focusing on mycelium. The core message is that embracing curiosity, even when facing uncertainty or initial setbacks (like her laptop crashing), leads to unexpected opportunities and the discovery of one's true passion, which in her case was realizing the collaborative potential between nature and design. ### Childhood Question & Uncertainty - The common question of career choice was difficult to answer, leading to exploration across various fields (princess, cook, veterinarian). - Uncertainty about the future led to exploring diverse study options (technology, culinary arts). - The speaker realized that not knowing the answer is okay. ### Discovery of Mycelium - Fascination began with mycelium, the underground fungal network connecting nature and design. - Attended workshops, including one on bio-based materials, which solidified this interest. - Mycelium grows on substrates and can be shaped into materials. ### Experimental Application - Speaker successfully grew mycelium on banana peels for her graduation project to achieve a desirable texture. - This work involved growing the fungus on agar-agar first. - This process sparked excitement and led to unexpected opportunities. ### Outcomes and Realizations - Initial fear about the project was overcome by the realization that nature and design can work together. - The speaker received invitations for a podcast and a follow-up project, proving the worth of her exploration. - The key takeaway is that passion, curiosity, and continuing to learn are vital, even without a clear initial goal. ![Screenshot at 00:05: A close-up on the projection screen shows samples of bio-designed materials, likely derived from mycelium, displayed next to a petri dish containing white fungal growth, illustrating the tangible results of her research.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/hnDMHPG4_D0/00-00-05.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:06: The speaker, Lieke Kaspers, addresses the audience at TEDxDenBosch, setting the stage for her personal narrative about finding her career path.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/hnDMHPG4_D0/00-00-06.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:12: The speaker gestures while discussing the difficult question of choosing a profession, reflecting on childhood aspirations like being a princess or a veterinarian.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/hnDMHPG4_D0/00-00-12.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:37: The presentation screen displays visual examples of mycelium growth or material samples, providing concrete evidence for the bio-design topic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/hnDMHPG4_D0/00-01-37.jpg) ![Screenshot at 07:19: The speaker describes the moment she felt excitement and clarity about her path, gesturing expansively to convey the opening of new possibilities.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/hnDMHPG4_D0/00-07-19.jpg)