Anamarija Frankic (right) removes a discarded lobster trap from a restored clam bed. Photo: Gary Higgins/Patriot Ledger.

Congratulations to our friend, Anamarija Frankic, a Biomimicry Fellow teaching at UMass Boston, who was recently awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to help the University of Zadar in Croatia develop an academic program in coastal ecosystem management and restoration, and biomimicry.

Anamarija Frankic is a marine biologist, founder of the LivingLabs program on Nantucket, MA, and Director of the Green Harbors Project.

“I am employing the model we are using in our recently launched LivingLab program on Nantucket Island to help the University of Zadar develop and provide courses that entail interdisciplinary teaching and learning,” says Frankic.  “We will do this through teaching and learning by doing research projects at the local level that will specifically address community needs and provide sustainable solutions. The success of integrating interdisciplinary student projects into the fabric of Nantucket serves as an excellent model.”

Frankic plans to address the sustainable development of urban coastal harbors and what adaptations are necessary to improve water quality, coastal habitats, alternative energy, and water uses. “We plan to help the University of Zadar build a Center for Interdisciplinary Research that will become a major player and connector with the Croatian marine and maritime sector and important partner in the European Union’s upcoming Horizon 2020 research framework program,” she says.

Meet Anamarija and learn more about her work at the Biomimicry Education Summit at UMass Boston this summer. Anamarija will present on the LivingLabs program as part of the afternoon breakout sessions, and additionally will lead a Green Harbors Boat Tour on Sunday afternoon.

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