Jessica Tay, PhD, is a graduate of the University of Oldenburg, Germany where she is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the working group of Prof Gerhard Zotz on the functional ecology of vascular epiphytes. It was here where she gained an interest in the biomechanics of bark epiphytes, and she discovered that some vascular epiphytes attached to their host trees by means of adhesion with a bioadhesive exuded from the root hairs. As part of her future research, she plans to isolate and characterize the bioadhesive from the plants. As an ecologist, she focuses on the attachment mechanics of different plant structures to various substrate surfaces, to expand current knowledge on nature-inspired designs for adhesion. When she is not in the lab or in the field for her research work, Jessica can be spotted in the garden tending to her vegetables or cooking in silence in the kitchen.

Alannah Johnson is Mycologist & Biomimicry MSc student at Arizona State University (ASU). Alannah is re-imagining a healthcare system that operates and functions in a similar way that fungal networks operate in forest ecosystems. She strongly believes that cooperative relationships not only build strong systems, but build strong communities. She hopes to use mycological systems as a guide to not only sustain, but regenerate the health of people, economies, and our planet.

Ñawi K. Flores, of the Antis and Iñan, Kutakachi Nation, and Chichubamba Clan, is a Runa Scholar and Yuyaykamayuk leading the charge in regenerative systems design and leadership. Deeply influenced by Indigenous Philosophy, his work intertwines nature-modeled solutions with transformative social-ecological systems, fostering business models that value social elements and nature. Leveraging his knowledge in Heritage Agriculture, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Biology, Circular Economy, and Business, Ñawi crafts innovative pathways that safeguard heritage agroecosystem and advocate culture intelligence valuation systems. His mission is to regenerate Symbiotic Indigeneity and catalyze regenerative economics based on Indigenous Philosophy, fostering collaborations across private, public, and Local, Indigenous, and Descendant (LID) communities. Ñawi’s journey to build K’allam’p and Antis Farm Hub encapsulate the essence of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJ-B), lighting the voids for emerging future regenerative leaders to innovate. Joining the Biomimicry Institute community, he aspires to help mold a society that honors the complex symbiosis of nature and humanity. His expertise and philosophical approach promise to enrich our collective mission to co-design a resilient, inclusive future.

Yogendra is a bioengineer driven by a passion for applying biomimicry and engineering principles to advance human health and medicine. Currently a Postdoctoral Scholar at Penn State University specializing in 3D Bioprinting of tissues and organs, he aims to uncover nature-inspired innovations and regenerative solutions for complex biological and medical challenges. With a background in Zoology and Ph.D. from IIT Guwahati, India in “Tissue Engineering” focused on silk-based biomaterials for osteoarthritis management, Yogendra combines his scientific expertise with an adventurous spirit as a marathon runner, wildlife enthusiast, and world traveler.

Creating an intimate and sensitive dialogue with nature is the main focus of Zahra’s art and design practice. Exploratory and experimental nature of her work leads into projects that are research-based and concept-driven with an emphasis on multi-disciplinary collaboration. Zahra experiments with different materials, processes and methodologies to create objects/systems (physical or digital) that encompass all the aspects of her obsession with material form and its physical properties. She looks into unfamiliar concepts to discover new modes of interpreting fragments of the natural world. Engagement from both a scientific and artistic point of view provides her with opportunities to gain profound understanding of matter and its surrounding ecosystems. Themes present in Zahra’s work are full system thinking, material research, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), biophilia, regenerative design and plant intelligence. Citizen science movement and the latest implications of the bio-materials have both had a direct influence on her work.

Marcia Christine is a full-time tenured professor at the University of Akron in the Civil Engineering Department. She has proudly spent 18 of her 24 years at Akron as the Program Director for the Construction Engineering Technology program, working diligently to support student success. She is a lifelong Ohioan and is currently living in North Canton, Ohio, with her husband, Mark, and pets, Penny & Marvin. Her academic accomplishments include both the BS and MS in Civil Engineering (University of Akron) and the Professional Engineer’s License in the State of Ohio. She is presently completing a certificate program in Biomimicry, is a graduate of the NSF I-Corp program, is a certified Quality Matters online course designer, and is currently a member of the 2023 Biomimicry Launchpad Program sponsored by the Biomimicry Institute. Marcia is dedicated to lifelong learning and is passionate about helping others accomplish their academic and professional goals. She enjoys student advising, curriculum development, professional networking and pursuing anything interesting that expands her own professional portfolio. Marcia is particularly proud of her work as a subject matter expert for the American Council on Education’s Military Transfer Assurance Program, where she reviews military program courses and recommends equivalent college credit for soldiers that successfully complete training. She has developed an online degree program in collaboration with a world leader in specialty coatings (RPM international/Tremco) to offer an associate degree for project managers within their company. This program was so successful that the University of Akron has now opened the program to the general public as an online associate degree program. Marcia’s future goal is to pursue opportunities that integrate her engineering knowledge, administrative expertise, and her knowledge of science to explore and promote nature-inspired solutions to human problems.

Mac Van Dam is a multi-disciplinary designer working in architecture, art, object design, and material science. His work is rooted in a material-led design process and a desire to bring biological/living sensibilities to the everyday. He is currently designing artworks and contemporary, highly ecological, forms of urban green infrastructure (Vertical Grounds Design Lab). The company has recently released the Living Lattice, an innovative living wall system that focuses on resilience, organic materiality, and architectural quality. Before founding design studios in the UK, Mac was a research member at the Living Architecture Systems Group in Toronto, the Bio integrated Design Lab at UCL, and has worked at internationally acclaimed architecture firms. His work has been shown at the Lisbon Triennale, London Design Festival, Venice Biennale, Coachella, and several other international design exhibitions.

Steve Farrell is an Artist and Designer from Black Mountain, NC. He is the Director of Design and Sustainability with Asheville based Stephens Smith Farrell Architecture. Steve is an Accredited Professional with the USGBC and is the Architect-of-Record for the first LEED Certified Building for any College or University in North Carolina. Go Owls! He has served as an Ambassador for the Living Building Challenge and is Vice Chair of Greenbuilt Alliance, an environmental and social justice 501c3 in Asheville. Steve and his wife Dana are building a Net Positive Energy house where they plan to create a pollinator garden and bocce court. Steve and Dana enjoy gardening, birds, hiking and foraging in the beautiful and bountiful Southern Appalachian Mountains with their Irish Shedder, Tate. “If you’re green, you’re growing.”