Vera’s current design and research is focused on responsive material systems and informed by contemporary models in biology, material science research, and mechatronic systems. Her research centers on experiments with material systems and assemblies that embody behavior and have capacity to adapt under external and internal influences. This research is concerned with capabilities and limitations of the new “sensing” and “active” matter and material systems to imbue built spaces with qualities of the natural environment, such as self-regulation or adaptability to changing conditions in the environment. This work has been published internationally.