Textile Visionary, Sustainability Advocate, Reader
Gözde Şenel-Ayaz is leading the charge to change the way we think about textiles. As Co-Founder and President of Tandem Repeat Technologies, a BioMADE member, she’s not just reimagining fabrics—she’s working at the intersection of biology, sustainability, and innovation. With a background in bioengineering and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Drexel University, her work in the textile space is anything but conventional.
Gözde’s roots in the textile industry run deep—three generations deep, in fact. That generational legacy, combined with her scientific expertise, inspires her to look to nature for solutions. She’s been able to work on a material called Procell, a sustainable, protein-based fiber designed to replace synthetic materials with something smarter, more efficient, and eco-friendly. The inspiration for this innovation comes from squid, specifically their teeth, which offer exceptional elasticity and self-repair properties.
At Tandem Repeat, Gözde takes on a wide-ranging role. From executive leadership and product development to securing funding and forming strategic partnerships, she ensures the company stays true to its mission—merging biotechnology with sustainable textile solutions. Collaboration is central to her leadership style. With her co-founders, she’s built a team grounded in shared purpose and trust.
What makes Gözde stand out is her ability to turn a scientific vision into a manufactured product, all while keeping environmental impact front and center. Her work isn’t just about creating better fabrics—it’s about building a better future. Gözde is a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Gözde
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
My journey began with a passion for science and a desire to help people through advancements in the biomedical field. Over time, this vision expanded beyond medicine as I recognized the profound impact that materials science could have on global sustainability. What started as an effort to engineer solutions for human health evolved into a mission to heal the planet—leading me to co-found Tandem Repeat Technologies, where we harness nature’s innovations to create sustainable materials for a better future.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Scaling up innovative, sustainable materials is a significant challenge. We must balance rapid growth with maintaining high-quality production, securing funding, and ensuring our processes remain environmentally friendly. Bringing a new material to market requires overcoming technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
What is the best part of your job?
Seeing our technology make a real-world impact is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we are developing a sustainable solution that can reduce the textile industry’s environmental footprint motivates me. Collaborating with brilliant scientists, engineers, and business leaders to advance innovation is also a highlight.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in manufacturing?
Many people see manufacturing as old-fashioned or purely mechanical, but it is a dynamic and innovation-driven field. Growing up in a family in the textile business for three generations, I witnessed firsthand how manufacturing evolved—and, at times, how key innovations and production capabilities moved away from the U.S., once the epicenter of modern textile manufacturing.
At Tandem Repeat Technologies, we are working to bring cutting-edge textile innovation back to the U.S. by merging biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI to create next-generation materials. By combining scientific advancements with textile expertise, we aim to revitalize sustainable textile manufacturing and re-establish the U.S. as a leader.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry or considering manufacturing as a career?
- Stay curious — Always be willing to learn about new materials, techniques, and technologies.
- Build problem-solving skills — Manufacturing often requires creative solutions to technical challenges.
- Network with experts — Connecting with professionals in the field can open doors and provide mentorship opportunities.
What makes you excited to go to work on Mondays?
The chance to work on groundbreaking innovations that could improve the textile industry. Every week presents new challenges and opportunities to push sustainable materials forward.
What are the three most important skills for your job?
- Communication — Explaining complex scientific concepts to investors, partners, and consumers.
- Creativity to solve challenges.
- Collaborative vision & networking.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
If I didn’t have to work, my day would balance learning, movement, and family. I would start my morning with exercise that keeps me energized and focused. I’d then spend time reading, especially history books, as understanding the past gives me perspective on the present and future. Of course, my children would be at the heart of my day, whether exploring new activities together, supporting their interests, or simply enjoying quality time as a mother. Nurturing both my curiosity and my family would make for the perfect day.
What activity gives you the most energy?
The activities that give me the most energy are exercising, reading, and spending time with my children. Exercise keeps me physically and mentally strong, helping me stay focused and motivated. Above all, being with my kids—whether engaging in their activities, having deep conversations, or simply sharing a laugh—bring me the greatest joy and motivation, especially when our job is to leave a better and more sustainable world for them.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
Reading. You have to grasp all the knowledge you can, no matter the topic. Reading broadens my perspective on various subjects and sparks inspiration to approach challenges from different angles. Whether it's history, science, or even a classic, each book adds a layer of understanding that helps us think creatively and find solutions to the problems we face in our work.
How does the work you do impact the world?
Our work at Tandem Repeat Technologies helps lower carbon emissions and promote sustainable manufacturing. Developing eco-friendly, high-performance fibers creates a greener future for the fashion and textile industries.
