University of South Florida (USF) senior Kobe Phillips, majoring in ecology & evolutionary biology, has consistently pursued a diverse range of interests during his time at the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Phillips has maximized the college's resources and interdisciplinary environment to engage in various projects and research opportunities. Notably, he has created and taught his own course and established an organization that integrates his passions for ecological advocacy, art, and infrastructure, providing unique opportunities for Honors students.
"The Honors College allowed me to be creative and not just stick to what my major was," remarked Phillips. In his final semester, Phillips is focused on his latest endeavor and hopeful legacy: an organization he founded called the 3D HAB-Lab.
HABITAT CHALLENGES
In 2023, the Honors College unveiled its new, state-of-the-art building, ushering in eager Honors students excited to call this new space home. However, they weren't the only ones to embrace this new environment.
Accompanying the influx of bright students were buzzing bees, bustling birds, and other wildlife drawn to the newly landscaped surroundings. Observing these changes, Phillips recognized an opportunity to leverage the unique design and technology studios within the Honors building to promote and enhance biodiversity. Alongside Honors Professor Tina Piracci, Phillips founded the 3D HAB-Lab (short for habitat lab) with a mission to address biodiversity loss.
The 3D HAB-Lab endeavors to mentor, teach, and engage USF students in fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting, utilizing them as tools for restorative habitat design. Students are encouraged to align their interests in engineering, design, art, and ecology to develop practical solutions for habitat loss both locally and globally. The lab encompasses all design-build projects aimed at advancing animal architecture and conservation biology.
“I’m excited to create a community that not only helps to improve our local ecosystems with our preexisting projects, but also work with other students to create new structures, whether it be oyster growth on clay 3D printed parts, or bat boxes using laser cuttings,” explains Phillips.
ROOM TO GROW
As students collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, they are not only working together on innovative endeavors but also cultivating a diverse community of scholars from various backgrounds, ranging from biomedical engineering to English. This illustrates how the 3D HAB-Lab serves as a space where every discipline contributes significantly.
Philips himself provides a sterling example of how the Honors College empowers students to apply what they’ve learned in classroom in a myriad of different ways. Beyond spearheading initiatives like the 3D HAB-Lab, Phillips has taught his own course at the Honors College titled "Rooted in Place," which led to the growth of the Judy Genshaft Honors College Community Garden. Additionally, he is a UN Millennium Fellow, captain of the rowing team, has studied abroad in Germany, and has undertaken numerous research projects.
With students like Philips and others leading the way, the future is bright for ideas aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity protection.
“The problems we face in the future of biodiversity don’t have to just be solved by the ecologist, they can be solved through the poet, the designer, and the engineer,” says Philips. “I hope that students take away the idea that if you have an idea or “out-there” project, you don’t have to wait to start trying.”
"By utilizing arts and fabrication technology like 3D printers, we can innovate how natural habitats integrate into the built environment." – Honors student Kobe Phillips
Up next, Philips plans to pursue graduate study at Cornell University after considering opportunities at Washington University and University College in London. But his time at USF will always serve as a reminder of how interdisciplinary thinking can provide the perfect platform for translating passions into impactful action.
“I have had the opportunity to pursue self-studies and passion projects, and the Honors College and USF Office of National Scholars has certainly facilitated experiences I've had," said Phillips. "It's crazy to think that this is not a common thing at any other university. This is unique to us."
To learn more, follow the 3D HAB-Lab on Instagram.