The 2018 BioDesign Challenge was a special topics course around participating in the annual BioDesign Challenge Summit, an annual competition held in conjunction with the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Led by Professor and Director of the Design Futures Lab, Nicole Koltick, students collaborated to develop speculative design objects or experiences that envision potential applications of biotechnology for the future. Students in the BioDesign Challenge class worked in small, interdisciplinary teams to collectively develop their project. Drexel team presented their work at MOMA at the BioDesign Challenge Summit in New York City alongside participants from such schools as University of the Arts London: Central Saint Martins; Royal College of Art; School of The Art Institute of Chicago; CalArts; Parsons; Pratt; Fashion Institute of Technology; Southern California Institute of Architecture; and University of Pennsylvania, among others.

The Team's solution shown here "The Metagenomic Field Kit" proposes intercepting the mechanisms of genetic communication through environmental metagenomics, by which DNA sequencing can be deployed to identify specific loci, patterns, and concentrations of multiple genetic communities in relation to each other and their environment, allowing encrypted communications through the alteration of the biome by methods including insertion of edited DNA and amplification of microbial populations. This entry was later exhibited as part of the Design And Science Exhibition at University of Eastern Michigan in 2019, and the Science Gallery in Philadelphia in 2020.

The BioDesign Challenge is an international affair that brings together students from the top art and design colleges around the world who are developing innovative interdisciplinary projects. Participating students will gain incredible exposure by presenting to a top jury of designers, scientists, curators, and industry professionals. The winning project from each participating school will be exhibited in New York City, and select projects will travel to various venues throughout the year. "This is an incredible opportunity for students to gain exposure for their work on an international level, as well as collaborate on a very exciting design challenge which encourages students to think very big and develop something that has the potential to change the future," commented Professor Koltick.