Karlena Dunn
Master of Creative Technologies student
Driven by a passion for sustainability, Karlena Dunn is using her Master of Creative Technologies research to investigate whether biomaterials could make coffee cups more eco-friendly.
“I’m researching mycelium biomaterials and their potential to decompose plastic, and am currently focusing on how these biomaterials could be applied to coffee cup sleeves. Coffee cups are usually lined with a thin layer of PE (polyethelene). This plastic is one of the many types of plastics known to be digestible by fungal strains. To find a better solution, I’m working on integrating mycelium into a coffee cup sleeve to break down the layer of PE (polyethelene) on the coffee cup after use.
“If my research is taken from concept to a trialled product, it has the potential to facilitate home composting of many products that are currently disposable.”
The right choice
With a background in integrated design, Karlena says she chose the Master of Creative Technologies as she wanted to conduct environmentally driven research.
“I chose this degree because I was inspired by the research by academic staff at AUT, in particular in the field of biomaterials. I’ve really enjoyed learning how to find and study academic papers relevant to my topic, as well as writing my own literature reviews. I’m also proud of being able to participate in the Fabricademy Bootcamp 2025 in Brussels, which is relevant to my master’s degree research.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend postgraduate study in creative technologies to other students.
“I’d highly recommend this programme as it offers a supportive environment to undertake a niche area of study. The range of research topics being conducted in AUT’s School of Future Environments is pretty incredible!”
Advice for other students
Karlena has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“Don’t worry if you’re unsure of your specific research topic when you’re applying for the Master of Creative Technologies.
“There is a lot of guidance and time to explore different pathways once you start your studies.”
