Jessica Banks

Jessica Banks

RockPaperRobot

Jessica Banks is an inventor, designer, entrepreneur, TV personality, and roboticist with degrees in both Engineering (MIT) and Physics (UofM). RockPaperRobot (RPR), her kinetic furniture company aimed at redefining traditionally static furniture into transforming, interactive objects, is a direct result of her multidisciplinary education and artistic pursuits. From levitating tables to flat pack chairs, RPR’s products are as versatile as they are thought-provoking: think Charles Eames’s and Judy Jetson’s wedding registry.

To complement RPR's product offerings, Jess also consults as a strategic and technical advisor to agencies, corporations, and designers and as a space optimizer to individual clients. Her most recent project is as the engineering lead co-host on Netflix's "Hack my Home," a technically-driven home renovation series out on Netflix.

Jess is a vocal proponent of female representation in STEM. She speaks publicly on topics ranging from science to entrepreneurship to manufacturing, and her work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets. Despite all her lofty goals, Jess still appreciates the sense of accomplishment afforded by a flattened tube of toothpaste and hopes to someday invent an un-losable mechanical pencil.

More stuff at www.rockpaperrobot.com

4:30 pm - 4:50 pm

The Practice of Curiosity

The best marketing professionals synthesize exceptional creativity with analytical rigor. Creativity flows from the nurturing of our species' highly innate curiosity. In a world with booming industries focused on wellness, yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and physical fitness, few scholars or intellectuals have focused on the practice of curiosity. Jess Banks, a roboticist, scientist, and furniture designer will be in conversation with NYU Professor and The Room Editorial Director, Aaron Cohen.