Biomimicry: A Path to Sustainable Innovation

Emily Kennedy is a biomimicry fellow in the Integrated Bioscience PhD Program at the University of Akron. Her doctoral research focuses on development and validation of pathways to biomimetic solutions that can be readily implemented by innovation teams. Emily has a BA in International Relations (Minor: Environmental Studies) from Colgate University and is a certified Innovation Engineering Black Belt.

Daphne Fecheyr-Lippens is a biomimicry fellow in the Integrated Bioscience PhD program at the University of Akron. Her doctoral research focuses on understanding structural coloration (colors without pigment) of CaCO3-based materials such as avian eggshells, to inform eco-friendly and innovative applications. Daphne received the Biomimicry Specialist certificate (2012) and has a BSc and MSc in Biotechnology from the University of Ghent, Belgium.

Bor-Kai Hsiung is a biomimicry fellow in the Integrated Bioscience PhD program at the University of Akron. His doctoral research focuses on questions about the evolution of structural colors in spiders. Bor-Kai is a biomimicry specialist (2011, BSP, Biomimicry 3.8), has a MS in Biomedical Science from UC, Riverside; a MS in Life Sciences from NTHU, Taiwan; and a BS in Applied Chemistry from NCTU, Taiwan.

Peter H. Niewiarowski is a professor of Biology and Integrated Bioscience and one of the principal investigators of the Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the University of Akron. He has a BS in biology from Marlboro College and a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests span population biology and life history evolution in reptiles and amphibians and include a current major focus in biomimicry in general and gecko adhesion in specific.

Matthew Kolodziej is a professor of art and one of the principal investigators of the Biomimicry research and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the University of Akron. He earned a BA in economics from the University of Chicago in 1988 and an MFA in painting from Rhode Island School of Design in 1993. He is a recipient of Pollock-Krasner and Fulbright grants. The transitory quality of space and perception is a central theme in his paintings. He uses images of architecture and landscape to explore the presence of change. His work has been exhibited around the country and abroad. http://www.mattpaint.com/