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.
3D printed PLA root structures from UA Makerspace
White oak Solidworks root model – from Liang T, Knappett JA, et al. 2017 paper in Landslides

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!
Wave tank at University of Akron’s Hydraulics Lab
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.
Example of revetment – provided by ODNR
Example of seawall – provided by ODNR
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.
Natural shoreline example: Downed tree with root overhang in Sandusky Bay (August 2018)
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 lab Click here to learn more about the Astley Lab