Exploring the potential of biomimicry to enhance pro-environmental design and behavior

[Past Projects]

Dr. Peter Niewiarowksi and Sarah McInerney

Biomimicry is an interdisciplinary design process in which biologists become an active member of a design team, exploring biological strategies to inform innovative and potentially sustainable design solutions. In a world in which sustainable design has taken a front seat across many industries the potential of biomimicry is huge. Yet access to specific design tools and biologists within these contexts is limited. To promote the adoption and implementation of biomimicry for sustainability within these environments this research is focused on three core areas: 1) Integrating training opportunities to promote a sustainable mindset 2) Promoting the creation of sustainable products and brand through innovation workshops within academic, industrial, and natural settings. 3) Creating cross-institutions collaborations between industries and biological institutions, Zoos and Natural History Museums, to drive scaled impact.
               
You will gain skills and exposure in one or more of the following:
  • Biomimicry design thinking methodology and tools
  • Curriculum design & development for environmental sustainability
  • Education and workshop facilitation experience with academic and industrial audiences, potentially settings.
  • Exposure to a variety of qualitative and quantitative social science research skills from online surveys to in-depth interview techniques and data analysis.
  • Interdisciplinary communication and networking skills across disciplines such as biology, engineering, design, and psychology.
If you have an interest in the field of biomimicry and its potential to promote environmental sustainability, then this is a great opportunity for you. Any undergraduate student from any major who is willing to learn and explore is invited to apply. Please note that given the current situation regarding coronavirus much of this work can be completed virtually and all measures will be taken to ensure an effective and enjoyable learning experience for all. For more information here is a newsletter that shine some light on the type of work that has been done recently at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. If this has caught your attention please feel free to reach out to Sarah McInernery at ssm70@zips.uakron.edu.
Click here to learn more about the Niewiarowski lab