Protecting Ohio’s North Coast through the lens of restoration ecology and biomimicry
[Past Projects]
Dr. Teresa Cutright, Dr. Henry Astley and Elena Stachew
We are studying the ability to quickly design, prototype and evaluate biomimetic forms to restore natural habitat complexity to our lake. Lab-scale wave attenuation and sediment depositional prediction studies are conducted using a 11 ft. re-circulating flume in the Hydraulics Lab of the Civil Engineering Department. We are primarily testing complex root forms mimicked after native coastal forests along Lake Erie. Other root forms may be considered and explored, such as those mimicked after mangroves or coastal wetland plants.
You’ll gain skills in one or more of the following:
Simple electronics
Programming in Python
3D modeling and printing
Field visits to Lake Erie and surrounding watersheds
Materials investigation
There may be an opportunity to build smaller-scale wave tanks for use in classrooms and other public educational settings. Check out this Youtube video for an idea!
We are interested in undergraduate students from any major that are willing to learn and explore. No prior experience is necessary. Work at the interface of engineering and biology to improve the coastal ecology of Lake Erie with a Biomimicry Fellow.
Additional Background:
According to the United Nations, 40% of the world’s population lives within 100km of a coastline and this number is projected to increase. Coastal protection structures, typically made of rock, steel and concrete, are used to protect homes and businesses from waves, storm surges and flooding. On Lake Erie’s shoreline in Ohio, 80% of the shoreline is protected with these simple and rigid materials.
Worldwide, shoreline hardening destroys the land-water interface and nearshore habitat complexity, key to many significant transitional ecosystems and nursery habitat for fish, birds and other species. These coastal ecosystems also often act as natural protection from waves, storm surges and flooding.
Check out some examples of creative infrastructure and restoration efforts in marine environments for more inspiration: ECOncrete, Reef Design Lab, TetraPOT and Cemex.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Cutright’s labClick here to learn more about the Astley Lab