As a Human-Centered Designer, Julie works to translate scientific and technological innovations for public acceptance, crafting experiences and products that invite culture shifts. Originally from Montreal, she holds a Master of Art from the Royal College of Art (London, UK), degrees in both Design and Computation Arts from Concordia University (Montreal, Canada), and a Master of Science from the MIT Media Lab (Cambridge, USA). She has taught at Birmingham’s Institute of Art and Design (UK) and worked with multi-nationals, museums, and pop stars including Rihanna and Imogen Heap to develop smart materials, wearable technologies, and interactive art.

Julie’s curiosity about DNA technology inspired her to focus on finding an accessible entry point into the complex science as her MIT Media Lab graduate thesis. This led her to found Amino Labs, an MIT spinout that builds hardware and biotechnology experiences to make learning, doing, and innovating in genetic engineering accessible to children and non-scientists.

Throughout her career, Julie has participated and mentored in several entrepreneurship environments, including IndieBio (Biotechnology Startup Accelerator), and E14 (MIT Media Lab Startup Accelerator). Julie is also a proud fellow of the Coaching Fellowship Program for Extraordinary Young Women Leaders of Impact.