Orkan Telhan

Orkan Telhan is an interdisciplinary artist, designer, researcher, and educator whose work explores new forms of computation as cultural and material phenomena that challenge conventional boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. Orkan joins Northeastern as an Associate Professor in Art + Design and core faculty in the Quantum Materials and Sensing Institute.

Prior to joining Northeastern University, Telhan was tenured Associate Professor of Fine Arts (Emerging Design Practices) at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design. Between 2021 and 2026, he held leadership roles in artificial intelligence, data systems, and computational infrastructure for biotechnology, manufacturing, and knowledge management companies, including Ecovative and Shelf. He also co-founded Biorealize, a biotechnology company that developed accessible bioreactor technologies for biological design and education.

Telhan currently serves as President of the Biodesign Challenge, an international nonprofit organization that brings together students, educators, designers, scientists, and industry leaders to imagine responsible futures for biotechnology.

His work has been exhibited internationally at venues including the Venice Architecture Biennale, Triennale Milano, Ars Electronica, the New Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Walker Art Center, the Design Museum, and the Museo Reina Sofía, among others.