Webinar round-up: How two students have connected with society through the SDC bursary scheme  

In our recent webinar, we welcomed Caroline Coyne and Monika Dolbniak — previous receivers of bursaries from the SDC — to discuss their recent projects involving the sustainability of thermochromic materials and sensory storytelling, respectively. 

If you missed the live session, you can watch the recording — free for SDC members, and £20 for non-members —  and uncover the findings of two projects in just under 40 minutes. 

In the first part of the webinar, Monika explained the rationale behind her project ‘sensory storytelling’ and how to design clothing for those who are neurodiverse., while during the second part,  Caroline discussed how she used her final project for her master’s degree based around knitwear to portray NASA’s real temperature anomaly data.

Monika Dolbniak — Sensory Storytelling

Monika, who specialises in designing sensory-friendly textiles, clothing, spaces, and products for highly-sensitive individuals — including those with autism — discussed the findings of her final MA project,  created in collaboration with the not-for-profit charity, Shared Community.

The sensory storytelling project took place across eight workshops, with those who have autism and sensory disabilities, aged between 20-60, taking part. The aim of the research was to explore the individuals’ sensory preferences in the school environment. 

Commenting on the project, Monika said: “I chose to undertake this piece of research because many special-needs schools tend to have more of a hospital-like aesthetic due to the lack of colour and stimuli which many students need.

“It’s considered that 30% of all autistic individuals are either hyper or hypersensitive to sensory stimuli. This indicates that their environment has a direct impact on their wellbeing, behaviour, productivity and emotions.”

Monika currently works as a sensory web designer for the Belgian brand, Sam Moore. She also facilitates her own sensory-integration workshops with schools, teachers, parents and children as well as design workshops for students and professionals. 

Caroline Cyone — thermal waste energy in the textile industry.

Caroline, who has recently graduated with a first class honours in textile design from the University of Leeds, presented the results from her final year project, exploring how thermal waste energy is used in the textile industry. 

The project focused on thermal waste energy within the knitwear industry specifically, and Caroline explained how this was difficult to portray through the medium of knitwear — which is why colour played a key role in representing temperature throughout her research. 

As well as discussing the outcomes of her work, Caroline educated viewers on the different types of domestic and commercial knitting machines available to the industry and how she used these to produce 20 final knitwear samples. 

Caroline said: “I’ve always had a keen interest in colour and sustainability within fashion, which I wanted to demonstrate in my final project. Receiving the bursary from the SDC enabled me to do this, for which I’m very grateful..”

“Having the SDC funding behind me made me feel like my project was validated, and the encouragement helped to keep me motivated. If you’re thinking of applying for the SDC bursary, I would suggest you go for it — you have nothing to lose!”

Caroline is currently studying towards a masters in sustainability and management at the University of Bath. 

Find out more and to purchase the recording, here. Although, please bear in mind that signing up to become an SDC member would give you free access to this and future webinars, as well as our extensive archive.

The SDC bursary scheme has been running since 2012 and in that time has received 222 applications. To date, the SDC has awarded bursaries to 78 students from universities across the globe — totalling £34,000 — which has enabled the society to engage with young people during their time in higher education. 

The SDC bursary scheme application deadlines are at the end of July and December each year. To find out more and apply, please visit our dedicated web page.