Zahra Tyebjee is a material designer and a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts in Textiles program at the Rhode Island School of Design. She is currently a grantee of the Fulbright / Azores Regional Government Open Study / Research Award, developing an understanding of Azorean basketry by observing how local plant materials are grown and processed and by learning how to make baskets using traditional weaving techniques. Additionally, she is exploring the Kahili Ginger plant, an invasive species found in the Azores, which has high fiber content and potential for use in basketry. Her research will be compiled into an artist’s book that maps the lifecycle from seed to basket.