Blake Goodwyn ’09: From RCDS Lifer to Award Winning Innovator

Blake Goodwyn '09 always wanted to be an inventor, but he didn’t know exactly what that entailed until he immersed himself in the world of design engineering. An RCDS “lifer,” Blake attended The Rumson Country Day School from Nursery through 8th grade, laying the foundation for a remarkable academic and professional journey that has taken him across the globe in pursuit of innovation and discovery. Today, he is one of the proud creators and founders of Pyri, a bioinspired early wildfire detection system.

Blake traces his passion for science and engineering back to his formative years at RCDS, particularly in 4th and 5th grade science classes with teacher Jeff Garside. “Mr. Garside’s enthusiasm and passion for science—and imparting that on his students—had a lasting impact on me,” Blake recalled. “Mr. Garside taught us not only the science behind how things work but also encouraged us to ask, “What if?” and test ideas, balancing hard science with pure imagination.”

After graduating from RCDS, Blake attended Rumson-Fair Haven High School before majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University. Following his undergraduate studies, he joined the Innovation Design Engineering program, a dual Master’s program jointly run by the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London.

Reflecting on his time at RCDS, Blake emphasized how the School prepared him for the rigor ahead. “Everything is built in layers, and RCDS was the foundation and building blocks,” he said. “I learned how to structure my time and develop strong study skills, which set me up for how I approached learning in the future.”

Beyond academics, Blake has always had a deep love for the outdoors. His travels across the United States and a firsthand experience witnessing a Montana wildfire in 2017 was a moment he says he’ll never forget. He observed more orange sky days when he later moved to San Francisco—where wildfires are an ever-growing threat—and became interested in bioinspiration, drawing design solutions from nature. This concept inspired his studies in graduate school, where he and three partners developed Pyri, a low-cost, zero-maintenance early wildfire detection system made from natural materials.

“The climate challenge is a wicked problem, like an enormous series of knots to untangle,” he explained. “Early wildfire detection is one of those knots.”

In 2023, Blake and his team created a working prototype and filed for a patent in 2024. Pyri has already gained significant recognition, including: The 2024 Student Design Award by the Royal Society of Arts, The National James Dyson Award, recognition from Fast Company’s 2024 Innovation by Design Awards, and The Terra Carta Design Lab Award, selected by renowned designer Sir Jony Ive. Looking ahead, Blake and his team are focused on securing funding to pilot test Pyri in real-world environments.

As Blake continues to push the boundaries of science and design, he embodies the very essence of RCDS’s motto: Vitae Disce—Learn for Life. His advice to RCDS students on their journey to become life-long learners? Find the balance between discipline and creativity. “Dive into a focus of expertise, but practice curiosity to keep that creative spark alive,” he said.