Hi, I’m Zoë, an artist and scientist currently pursuing a double major in Biology and Art Practice at Stanford University.

Informed by my experience in fungal ecology labs, I’m particularly interested in the ecological and existential dimensions of decay, and in microorganisms - particularly fungi - as agents of transformation in both natural systems and in human narratives.

Drawn most towards biomaterials such as mycelium, SCOBY, and soil, I create sculptures and paintings that critically engage with processes of decomposition and regeneration.

Through my interdisciplinary practice, I explore how these cycles can reveal new ways of understanding identity, loss, and interconnectedness across human and more-than-human worlds.

CV

Zoë Kyn

zoernbrg@stanford.edu | (310) 405-4205

Education

Stanford University, Stanford, CA. | 2022-present  

BAS Art Practice and Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Environment) Expected June 2026 | GPA: 3.808

  • Stanford in Berlin, Berlin, Germany | Spring 2025

Crossroads School for the Arts and Sciences, Santa Monica, CA | 2017-2021

Research & Creative Experience 

Art Practice Honors Program, Stanford University | 2025–2026

  • Developing a sculptural installation using biomaterials (mycelium, SCOBY leather, soil) exploring decay, regeneration, and speculative evolution.

  • Culminating in a public exhibition, Spring 2026.

Assistant to Artist Asad Raza, KW Institute for Contemporary Art - Berlin, Germany | Summer 2025 

  • Contributed to research and development for a site-specific exhibition in the KW garden. 

Research Assistant, Art Laboratory Berlin - Berlin, Germany | Summer 2025 

  • Supported event coordination, research, public engagement, and digital communication at the intersection of art and science.

Special Projects Intern, Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Tarrytown, NY | Summer 2024

  • Composed soundscapes for dining ambiance, conducted fermentation experiments, and researched regenerative agriculture for the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Undergraduate Research Intern, Peay Lab, Stanford University | 2023-2024

  • Studied fungal community dynamics and forest ecosystem biodiversity. 

Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Program Fellow, Stanford University | Summer 2023

  • Designed and presented a 10-week project on ectomycorrhizal fungi and pine growth under elevated CO₂.

Applied Mycology Intern, UC Riverside | 2022

  • Remediated contaminated urban soils using native plants and fungi under the mentorship of Dr. Danielle Stevenson.

Leadership & Professional Experience 

General Manager, KZSU 90.1FM - Stanford, CA | 2024-present

  • Lead Stanford’s student radio station; oversee programming, events, and student engagement.

Program Participant, ARCC Northwest Gap Program - Pacific Northwest | 2021

  • Studied regional ecology through fieldwork; earned WFR and SCUBA certifications.

Associate Baker, Smuggler-Union - Telluride, CO | 2022

  • Produced artisan sourdough for multiple fine dining establishments.

President & Event Coordinator, Students for Sustainability, Los Angeles CA | 2019-2021

  • Led a student environmental organization; organized and moderated campus-wide speaker panels on climate and sustainability issues.

Art Group Leader, The People Concern - Los Angeles, CA | 2019-2020

  • Taught weekly open-studio art classes for unhoused adults.