Atlanta Students Innovate with Paper Electronics at New Museum Exhibit

A new initiative in Atlanta is set to revolutionize how high school students interact with technology through an innovative approach to papermaking. The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking will host workshops where approximately **60 students from Atlanta Public Schools** will learn to design and create electronics, including wearable devices, using paper as a primary material. Led by **HyunJoo Oh**, Assistant Professor at **Georgia Tech**, these hands-on workshops aim to bridge the gap between craft and technology.

The initiative culminates in an exhibit titled “The Future of Paper,” which will showcase designs created during the workshops alongside pioneering examples of paper-based technologies developed by Georgia Tech researchers. Funded by the **National Science Foundation**, the exhibit is expected to open to the public in **2027**.

Integrating Craft and Technology

Oh, who leads the **Computational Design and Craft (CoDe Craft) Group** at Georgia Tech, envisions paper as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials used in electronics. “Paper could support prototyping printed circuit boards (PCBs),” Oh stated, emphasizing its eco-friendly properties compared to silicon, which poses environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature.

The appeal of using paper lies in its accessibility and affordability. Oh explained that recent advancements in materials science have made it possible to create circuits using simple tools. “Conductive materials such as conductive pens and paint are available in local arts and crafts stores,” she said. “We can even print circuits using a standard office inkjet printer with silver ink.”

Oh’s collaboration with the museum began shortly after her arrival at Georgia Tech in **2019**. Captivated by the museum’s dedication to papermaking, she sought to create a project that would complement its legacy while integrating modern technology.

A Unique Educational Experience

Virginia Howell, director of the museum, echoed Oh’s enthusiasm, describing the initiative as a perfect fit for the institution. Founded in **1939** by the **Massachusetts Institute of Technology**, the museum has documented the history of papermaking and moved to Georgia Tech in **2003**. With a collection exceeding **100,000 objects**, some dating back **2,000 years**, the museum uniquely highlights both the past and present of papermaking.

Howell noted that while the museum excels in showcasing historical aspects, it has not extensively explored the future of paper until now. She believes young people will play a pivotal role in shaping that future, especially as the use of paper in technology expands.

Oh pointed out that while paper is often associated with art in education, its application in technology can guide students towards engineering and computing. “This approach can excite students who usually feel disconnected from electronics and computing,” she explained.

The workshops will run in three ten-week sessions during **spring 2026**, **fall 2026**, and **spring 2027**. The most innovative designs from the workshops will be displayed in the upcoming exhibit. “They’ll feel more comfortable with computing and engineering as an introductory experience,” Howell said. “When they realize they built something on a sheet of paper, it’s exciting to think about what they’ll achieve with more sophisticated tools.”

As the initiative unfolds, the collaboration between the museum and Georgia Tech promises to inspire a new generation of creators, blending artistry with technology in ways that are both accessible and environmentally sustainable.