Advancing a Circular Economy with Dr. Carolyn Seepersad’s ReCreateIt Lab

The Office of Sustainability recently sat down with Dr. Carolyn Seepersad, professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, to explore her groundbreaking research in advancing a circular economy through recyclable materials. Dr. Seepersad is the Georgia Tech lead for the ReCreateIt Lab, a new initiative funded by the National Science Foundation in collaboration with Re:3D and the Austin, Texas office of Habitat for Humanity, which focuses on the life cycle of plastics and the practical application of 3D printing technology.

The ReCreateIt lab transforms recyclable plastics into raw materials and then into usable products—bringing circular economy principles to life. One exciting idea discussed was the potential to turn recycled plastics into compost bins for campus use, creating a closed-loop system that supports both waste reduction and sustainability goals.

We’re thrilled about the possibilities for integrating Dr. Seepersad’s work into a living learning lab on the Georgia Tech campus, where students and researchers can engage directly with sustainability innovation. Learn more about Dr. Seepersad’s project in the interview conducted by Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of sustainability, and Jairo Garcia, lecturer and resilience specialist, in the Office of Sustainability.

Can you start by telling us a little about yourself, your background, and what drew you to Georgia Tech and mechanical engineering?

I grew up on a 100-acre family farm in rural West Virginia, where my father built nearly everything on our property. Watching him work sparked my interest in problem-solving and engineering, and I naturally gravitated toward STEM subjects in school. At the time, I was naïve about what engineering truly meant since I had never worked with an engineer before entering college.

I pursued my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at West Virginia University, where I was one of only 2-3 females in the class of 50. During my senior year, I was fortunate to receive a Rhodes Scholarship, which allowed me to study at Oxford University in England. While there, I earned a degree in philosophy, politics and economics, broadening my perspective and gaining valuable experience beyond engineering.

Eventually, I returned to Georgia Tech to complete both my master’s and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering with a focus on engineering design. From there, I joined the University of Texas at Austin, where I spent 18 years as a faculty member in the department of mechanical engineering, conducting research that connected engineering design with additive manufacturing. Two years ago, I came back to Georgia Tech as a full professor to do research in engineering design. For me, Georgia Tech feels like home, and I am excited to contribute to its strong hands-on engineering culture while supporting the next generation of engineers.

We are excited to learn about your new research with the ReCreateIt Project Lab. Can you tell us how you got involved and how it works?

The ReCreateIt Project is funded by the National Science Foundation and is centered on bringing technology out of the lab and into practice. The initiative is led by RE:3D, a Texas-based organization that specializes in creating large-scale projects with a strong social mission, particularly using recycled materials.  Collaborators include Austin Habitat for Humanity, The University of Texas at Austin, the University of Wallangong (Australia), and the University of Western Sydney (Australia).

Our team brings together collaborators across design, printing, and life-cycle analysis to find innovative uses for materials that might otherwise go to waste. For example, items that are not sold at places like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores can be repurposed into raw materials and then used to create entirely new products. The idea is to make this process accessible to everyday people—customers could walk into one of those stores and use a machine to “design their own goods” from recycled inputs.

We are also working with partners at The University of Texas at Austin who run life-cycle analyses to measure the savings in energy, water, waste, and emissions. Researchers are studying how to make these recycled materials easier to 3D-print with, as well as identifying the broader sustainability benefits. The project ultimately has the potential to provide low-cost goods while promoting more sustainable consumer practices.

How could this project serve as a living learning lab with students and staff on campus?

While the project originated in Texas, NSF encouraged us to expand and collaborate with different institutions. At Georgia Tech, the vision is to establish a campus-based version of the lab that can serve as a hub for experimentation and learning. Imagine a space where printers use recycled materials collected right here on campus to produce useful, attractive objects. Students and staff would have the opportunity to design, test, and refine products that bring sustainability into everyday campus life. We are also working with partners at the University of Georgia and the University of Pittsburgh to incorporate additional analysis methods—such as the CAP process—to measure the ecological impacts of these initiatives within the Georgia Tech ecosystem. This kind of living lab would not only draw attention to the issue of plastics and waste but also empower students to take part in hands-on sustainability research and innovation

What are some of the outputs that could help with reusability on campus?

There are two dimensions to the potential outputs. On one hand, we are interested in generating measurable metrics—such as how effectively we can reuse materials in maker spaces. On the other, there is a qualitative side that involves raising awareness and encouraging new ways of thinking about reusability. Concrete outputs might include printing compost bins for campus, collaborating with industrial design classes to create public art installations, or producing outdoor furniture like recycled tables and chairs. Each of these efforts would combine practical utility with a message about sustainability, sparking conversation while serving everyday needs.

Are there any other ways that this project could advance sustainability on campus?

One of the biggest challenges in sustainability is helping people understand the impact of their choices. With this project, we aim to quantify outcomes in ways that are both tangible and relatable. For example, we can show how many plastic bottles are kept out of landfills, how many gallons of waste are diverted, or how many miles of emissions are saved by reusing materials. By framing the data in accessible terms, we hope to inspire students and staff to think differently about how items can be reused or reimagined. The ultimate goal is to encourage a shift in perspective that makes sustainability a natural part of daily decision-making.

Before we wrap up, do you have any final words you’d like to share?

We are excited to officially launch the project in January 2026, with the lab expected to be fully operational later in the year. It is an exciting opportunity to connect innovation, sustainability, and education in meaningful ways, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on our community.