Dr. Dayna Baumeister
Biomimicry 3.8 Co-Founder

Dr. Dayna Baumeister is a world-renowned biomimicry lecturer and consultant, as well as the Director of the Biomimicry Professional Certificate Program and co-director of The Biomimicry Center at Arizona State University. With a background in biology, a devotion to applied natural history, and a passion for sharing the wonders of nature with others, Dayna has worked in the field of biomimicry with business partner Janine Benyus since 1998 as a business catalyst, educator, researcher, and design consultant. As a workshop leader, she will share her 18+ years of experience bringing biological intelligence to a wide range of audiences as well as her visionary leadership for the meme.

Karen Allen
Certified Biomimicry Professional, Restoration Ecologist

Karen Allen is a Certified Biomimicry Professional, biologist, and facilitator who is passionate about sharing the secrets of the natural world to inform sustainable innovations. She is a seasoned biomimicry educator, researcher, and consultant who has been practicing biomimicry on a variety of projects since 2000. An interdisciplinary science background and love of natural history help Karen translate nature’s strategies for architects, engineers, and designers. She co-instructs the Biomimicry Professional Certification Program, teaches the Biology Taught Functionally course through ASU Online, and protects and restores ecosystems, bringing a systems perspective to the practice of biomimicry.

Chris Montero
Naturalist

Chis Montero is a traveling naturalist. His enthusiasm for nature began with a large focus on reptiles, but eventually expanded to other organisms such as insects, birds, mammals, and plants. He began his studies in biology and general ecology in his native Costa Rica. Twelve years ago, Chris moved to Washington state, where he finished his studies at the Evergreen State College. Professionally, he has an “amphibian” career with one foot in art and the other in natural sciences, which has allowed him to work as both a scientific illustrator and an environmental interpreter. He had the privilege of working as a nature guide for the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica, a field instructor for the Sierra Institute in Belize and Guatemala and, since 2005, a naturalist for the Biomimicry 3.8 programs in Costa Rica. He currently works as a Wildlife & Conservation trip leader for National Geographic Student Expeditions in Australia, Ecuador, Belize, and Brazil, and more recently as the Outreach Coordinator for Wolf Haven International, giving presentations, writing articles, and creating educational material about wolves and carnivores in general.

Janine Benyus
Biomimicry 3.8 Co-founder

Janine Benyus is known worldwide for her influence in naming the practice of biomimicry in her seminal book, “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature,” and spreading the message of its power as an innovation tool that can solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. She has personally introduced millions to biomimicry through two TED talks, hundreds of conference keynote presentations, her work on innovation projects with clients around the globe, and through more than a dozen documentaries.

Along with being co-founder of Biomimicry 3.8 and The Biomimicry Institute, Janine serves on the U.S. Green Building Council Board of Directors, the advisory board for the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, the advisory board for Project Drawdown, and is an affiliate faculty member at The Biomimicry Center at Arizona State University.

The all-inclusive price for the workshop includes delicious, organic, and when possible, locally harvested breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks; overnight accommodations for five nights; all activities during the week; tuition and course materials; transportation from the San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) International Airport; and administration costs. A variety of accommodations are available at La Cusinga Eco Lodge to meet your needs and budget, from bunk rooms to private en suite rooms. All rooming types are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. See photos of the rooms on La Cusinga’s website. 

All of La Cusinga’s rooms are built from sustainable reforested wood and designed for your comfort. Each room has a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, the Ballena Marine National Park and the rainforest.  

Shared bunk room | $4,250

These large rooms have bunk beds, a private bathroom, and a terrace.

Shared room en suite | $4,375

These shared rooms have two queen beds and a private en suite bathroom with a balcony. You can request a roommate or we will assign you a roommate of the same sex.

Private room ensuite | $4,550

These deluxe rooms provide a comfortable queen or king size bed and your own en suite bathroom and either a balcony or patio.

Registration information/deadlines  

All instructions and pricing information is included within the form. 

Discounts – Limited Availability!

All discounts have limited availability, are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and may not be combined.

• Student discount: Enrolled university students save $250. Must upload copy of current student ID upon registration.
• Biomimicry Global Network member discount: Members of a local Biomimicry Global Network save $250. Must upload brief, written endorsement from local network leader upon registration.

In addition to a life-changing experience, immersion workshop participants also receive access to the Introduction to Biomimicry online course and earn credit toward a Biomimicry Specialist Certificate.

Learn more about immersion workshops here.